The Outsiders Essay

Being a hero is a tough duty to deal with. Not everybody can b a hero. S.E. Hinton, an author of The Outsiders, defines a hero as one who learns, changes and helps everyone. she also implies that a true hero grows emotionally. Johnny is a definite hero in The Outsiders. It is evident that Johnny grows very much and sacrifices himself for everyone - he broke a law and overcame his fear to save Ponyboy, he jumped into the burning church to save little children, and he was optimistic and caring even though he was dying. Johnny is a hero in The Outsiders for sure. Johnny is a hero, growing emotionally and acting different physically.
First of all, Johnny overcame is lifelong fear in order to save his pal, Ponyboy. Johnny had brutal and tragic past. Johnny’s parent abused Johnny every single day. Johnny was also brutally beaten up by the socials. “Johnny’s face was cut up and bruised and swollen, and there was a wide gash from his temple to his cheekbone.” (pg 32) Johnny was covered with blood and he was threatened to death by the socials. Despite this hurting past, Johnny stood against the socials. When Ponyboy was drowning by the socials at the park, Johnny stood against the socials and stabbed Bob, who was the formal leader of the social gang. This is one heroic quality Johnny has. Not only the hero should be able to fight and defeat the villain, the hero should be able to fight and overcome his/her own fear. By overcoming their fear, they will grow, learn and eventually become stronger and invincible.
Johnny overcame and changed his mindset while saving Ponyboy from the socials. Johnny broke a law in order to save Ponyboy. Ponyboy says, “Johnny, who was the most law-abiding of us…” (pg 34) Johnny did his best not to go against the law. He was careful, respectful and grateful. However, when he had to face an ordeal, he changed his mindset to saving his friend than obeying the law. Being able to change his/her mindset according to the problem is a very important and useful heroic quality to have. If someone insists on their original mindset, they will not be able to accomplish all the tasks and missions they have to achieve and finish. Johnny knows how to act accordingly with the situation.
After killing Bob, Johnny didn’t cheer and celebrate. He kind of regretted what he had done. This is another heroic quality Johnny has – respect. Johnny respected Bob and regretted his action of killing him. Even though killing Bob was self-defense and saving is best friend, he wasn’t proud of himself. Johnny says to Ponyboy, “I killed him…I killed that boy…” (pg 56) This reveals how much Johnny was disappointed in himself and felt sorry for Bob. All heroes must have respect to anyone whether it’s their enemy or their rival. By giving respect to everyone, heroes will be able to see others differently. Heroes save everyone even though they don’t know every single person they save. Johnny jumped into the burning church to save little children trapped inside. Johnny wanted to save those children’s innocent lives. While saving these children, Johnny showed his new side. Johnny yelled, “Shut up! We’re goin’ to get you out!” (pg 92) Johnny acted like he was in charge here. “He looked like he was having the time of his life.” (pg 92) Johnny was described as a poor puppy that was frequently beaten. However, when he was saving these children, he was in charge for once. While saving these children from the burning church, Johnny didn’t forget to take care of Ponyboy as well. After rescuing all those children, the burning church started to fall apart. Instead of saving himself, Johnny allowed and helped Ponyboy to get out of the burning church first. Hinton writes, “…as the front of the church started to crumble. Johnny shoved me toward the window. “Get out!”” (pg 93) Heroes save others in need first then themselves. Despite the fact that he was dying, Johnny was optimistic and caring. Ponyboy tells us, “Johnny’s eyes glowed. Dally was proud of him. That was all Johnny had ever wanted…” (pg 148) After Dally said, “We’re all proud of you, buddy,” Johnny seemed to achieve his lifelong dream. If normal person was in Johnny’s situation, it wouldn’t matter whether or not they achieved their lifelong goal. Only thing that would matter is living. They would struggle to live rather than dying. But, Johnny didn’t mind dying. On Johnny’s letter to Ponyboy, it says, “I don’t mind dying know. It’s worth it…Their [children Johnny saved] lives are worth more than mine, they have more to live for…I know it was worth it…” (pg 178) Johnny was optimistic and didn’t complain about what he got in return for saving children’s lives. Johnny calmly dealt with what he received. Not only Johnny was optimistic, he actually cared for Ponyboy while he was dying. Johnny says, “Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold…” Johnny cared about Ponyboy and wanted Ponyboy to live an innocent and clean life. Johnny was a true hero who didn’t complain about his situation and cared for others even right before his death. It is true that Ponyboy and Dally are also heroes. Ponyboy did save children with Johnny. Ponyboy did connect socials and greasers in certain way. For example, Ponyboy connected Cherry Valance and Randy with his fellow gang. Dally did care too much about his gang. Dally did work hard to protect his gang. But Johnny was a guy who saved Ponyboy’s life twice – when socials were drowning Ponyboy and when Johnny shoved Ponyboy out the burning church. Also, Johnny grew emotionally the most. Dally was hard, cool and tough from the beginning. Ponyboy was sensitive from the beginning. Ponyboy did hardened a bit but not that much compared to Johnny. Johnny literally started a new life to save Ponyboy. He was a puppy that was frequently beaten up. But he became a hero that everyone thanked. Johnny is a true hero.