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What are some examples of kindness in The Outsiders?

Cherry was kind to Johnny and Ponyboy.  She could have completely ignored them because they were greasers.  Even though she called Dally trash, she was responding to his behavior more than his status as a greaser.  Cherry told Pony that she could not associate with him at school, but she was apologetic.  She wanted him to understand that the Socs and greasers were not that different.



"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..." (Ch. 3)



Cherry also tries to protect them from Bob and Randy and the other Socs.  She gets into the car to avoid a fight.  Bob may be her boyfriend, but she does not approve of his actions in getting drunk and jumping greasers.


Another example of kindness is Johnny’s behavior while they are hiding out at the church.  Johnny is a sensitive boy.  He buys a copy of Gone With the Wind for them to read, and he discusses sunrises with Pony.  When the fire starts, he tries to rescue the children.  His injuries are the greatest. 


Even when Johnny is dying in the hospital, he still thinks of Pony.  He asks for a copy of Gone with the Wind and wants to give it to him so he can finish it. He also tells Pony to make something of his life, referencing a Robert Frost poem that Pony recited for him, “Nothing Gold Can Stay.”



I barely heard him. I came closer and leaned over to hear what he was going to say.


"Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold..." The pillow seemed to sink a little, and Johnny died. (Ch. 9)



Even as he was dying, Johnny thought of Ponyboy.  He did not want him to die young as well, and he wanted to make sure he inspired him to make something of himself.  Johnny knew that of all the greasers, Pony had the chance to get out of the life.

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