“‘All socs aren't like that,’ she said. ‘You have to believe me Ponyboy not all of us are like that’ ‘Sure’ I said. ‘Things are rough all over.’ I really couldn't see what socs would have to sweat about good grades, car, girls, mustangs if I had worries like that would consider myself lucky.” (Hinton 42,43,44 ).

In other words, this shows Ponyboy is very empathetic and willing to hear and understand the feelings of Cherry as she says things are rough all over. Though he doesn't fully understand how they would have it the same as him he still understands that they have their own problems too.

 “I had turned and ran out the door and down the street as fast as I could. Darry screamed, ‘Ponyboy I didn't mean too!’ but I was at the lot by then and pretended I couldn’t hear. I was running away. It  was plain to me that Darry didn’t want me around. And I wouldnt stay if he did. He wasn’t ever going to hit me again” (Hinton pg 58 ).

In other words, Ponyboy is the kind of kid to run away from the problem instead of talking it out with Darry. This shows that he is lost and confused of his relationship with Darry especially after the death of his parents.

“‘We gotta get somewhere run away the police will be here soon.’ I hadn't  realized I was screaming I shook loose okay I said Im ok now.” (Hinton pg 65)


This affected Ponboy emotionally he knew Darry would be scared for him but he didn't want to go back because of what Jonny did.

“I half convinced myself that I had dreamed everything that had happened the night before. I am really home in bed, I thought. It's late and both Darry and Sodapop are up. Darry is cooking breakfast, and in a minute he and Soda will come in and drag me out of bed.” (Hinton pg 76)

Clearly, when Ponyboy doesn't like what is actually going on he lies to himself in response to bad situations and unpleasant circumstances. This shows he likes to deny the truth and hide from reality to make his life easier.

“If I had thought about it, I could have called Darry and he would have come by on his way home and picked me up, or Two-bit Mathews-one of our gang-would have come to get me in his car if I had asked him, but sometimes I just don't use my head. It drives my brother Darry nuts when I do stuff like that, cause I'm supposed to be smart; I make good grades and have a high IQ and everything, but I don’t use my head.” (Hinton ll-12) 

In other words, Ponyboy knows that he lacks street smarts, but he is proud that he is book smart because he knows he is different and likes different things than the other greasers.

“And besides, we wanted to show those socs we weren’t trash, that we were just as good as they were.We steal things and drive old souped-up cars and hold up gas stations and have a gang fight once in a while. I don’t mean I do things like that.” (Hinton 140)

Ponyboy always will stick up for his friends by wanting to show the socs that greasers weren’t trash, they were just as good as they were, but he will always be at least a little different from them because he just isn’t like he rest.

“‘Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold…’ The pillow seemed to sink a little, and Jonny died.He meant you’re gold when you’re a kid, like green. When you’re a kid everything’s new, dawn. It’s just when you get used to everything that it’s day. Like the way you dig sunsets, Pony. That’s gold. Keep that way, it’s a good way to be.’” (Hinton 157)

Basically, what Johnny is telling Ponyboy is helping Ponyboy to stay who he is, and to stay young. Ponyboy digs sunsets, and that is one thing different from the rest of the gang, and Johnny wants him to embrace and accept it, so he doesn’t change.

“‘You read a lot, don’t you, Ponyboy?’cherry asked. I was startled ‘Yeah. why?’she kind of shrugged. ‘I could just tell. I’ll bet you watch sunsets, too.’ She was quiet for  a minute after I nodded. ‘I used to watch them, too, before I got so busy’” (Hinton 8)

“I pulled her to one side. ‘I couldn't use this,’ I said dropping the pop bottle. ‘I couldn't ever cut anyone…”(Hinton 53)

In other words, Ponyboy never wanted the Socs and greasers to be violent with each other. This shows Ponyboy’s personality of naive which shows the real outsider he is from all  the greasers and the intelligent well-being he is.