First, one of the major themes of the story is what it takes to be a hero. “‘I had to. They were drowning you, Pony. They might’ve killed you. And they had a blade… they were gonna beat me up….’" (page--but only a number 57) This quote is significant, because even though Johnny killed the Soc, the same Soc and his friends could have killed Johnny and Ponyboy. Also, even after what had happened when some Socs jumped Johnny, he still had the courage to defend Ponyboy …show more content…
“I surveyed the scene with pride. I was the youngest one there. Even Curly, if he had been there, had turned fifteen, so he was older than me. I could tell Darry realized this too, and although he was proud, I also knew he was worried. Shoot, I thought, I'll fight so good this time he won't ever worry about me again. I'll show him that someone besides Sodapop can use his head." (page--but only a number 118). This scene explains why Ponyboy is fighting, to show that Darry won’t have to worry about him anymore. Ponyboy also explains that he knows Darry is proud of him for being the youngest one at the rumble, but at the same time, still worried. Furthermore, the journey from youth to adulthood is another major topic seen throughout the