Johnny knew that Pony was capable of accomplishing many goals, but most importantly he saw the good life that Pony had with his brothers. Johnny's dying wish for Pony was for him to 'Stay gold.' Here, gold symbolizes idealism and goodness. He tells himself that Darry isn't going to be an old hood, that he is 'going to get somewhere.' And Pony vows that he will be successful like Darry and leave behind the neighborhood gang life. He calls the rough and dangerous Shepard and Brumley gang members 'Young hoods - who would grow up to be old hoods.' He had never thought about the issue before, but now he realizes that their behavior - and their lives - will continue to get worse, not better. As the seriousness of life hits him and he is forced to deal with the issue of mortality, he begins to challenge some long-held beliefs. In this chapter, Ponyboy questions his identification with the East Side greasers. When Johnny dies, Dally bolts out of the room and takes off running. fighting's no good.' He asks to speak to Ponyboy, and, leaning over him, Johnny's last words are 'Stay gold, Ponyboy. Johnny is dying and is not impressed that the greasers won the rumble: 'Useless. The police officer believes him and escorts them the rest of the way.ĭally and Ponyboy make it to the hospital in time.

When they are stopped by the police for speeding, Dally is able to point to Pony and say that he is rushing him to the hospital. He is still sick and has been cut and bruised. Everyone in Pony's gang is banged up, but the greasers win and that is all that matters.ĭally grabs Ponyboy and says that they have to quickly go to the hospital because Johnny is dying. The Socs lose the rumble because they run first. Able to fight with only one arm, he announces that a rumble can't happen without him. Just as the rumble begins, Dally shows up. It is a former buddy, one who is now in college, while Darry has to work for a living.

When the Socs gather, Darry steps forward and says, 'I'll take on anyone.' One Soc steps forward and says hello to him. Ponyboy realizes that, unlike these hoods, Darry has the potential to be successful in life. Pony realizes that they (his gang) are not hoods, and they don't belong with this group of future convicts. His gang never uses weapons and has never really hurt anyone.

Still apprehensive about the rumble, Pony questions everyone's motivation for the fight: 'Soda fought for fun, Steve for hatred, Darry for pride, and Two-Bit for conformity.' Pony can only think of one good reason to fight - self-defense.Īs the greasers gather together at the vacant lot, Pony compares the other greasers to his own gang. Pony slams down five aspirins while no one is looking he is still successfully hiding his illness. The rumble between the greasers and the Socs is set for 7 p.m.

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