Mr. Pitchford
Language Arts
7 Dec. 2015
Honor Amongst the Most Unlikelyl of Characters Honor is defined as “high moral standards of behavior”(). It is not an attribute easily acquired, but it is possible that even the most unlawful of people can have a sense of honor. The gang’s code, the way they treat Steve’s cousin, and Dally Winston’s good deeds are all ways that honor is portrayed among the most unlikely of characters in S.E. Hinton’s book, The Outsiders. First, having rules and a sense of order helps preserve honor in the gang. For example, the gang’s code maintains regulation amongst themselves. Two-Bit explains to Cherry and Marcia that the gang has only two rules: “stick together” and “don’t get caught” (Hinton 29). Somehow a group of pickpockets and delinquents managed to set guidelines that were agreed upon and followed. They promised to honor these guidelines no matter what the situation.
Next, certain girls, the so-called cousinly type, …show more content…
For example, Dally Winston, the most criminal minded of them all, is willing to put himself before those that he cares about. After Dally’s death, Ponyboy recounts how he was a hero, but would never receive the recognition he deserved because of his previous, unlawful acts. Dally Winston was not the most exemplary person; he did stunts that landed him in jail multiple times. Yet, he was capable of doing things of the most heroic nature. He was kind to Ponyboy and Johnny, showing his feelings in actions rather than words. When Dally saved Johnny from the burning church and helped him get out of town, he “risk[ed] his life for [them], trying to keep Johnny out of trouble”(154). Dally was willing to sacrifice himself for those he cared about, even if it meant he had to give up his own. He was an unrecognized hero with the persona of a bad kid. Dally Winston is one example of showing that even greasers have the capability of honoring