How Does Johnny Change In The Outsiders

Outside Appearances Can people really change? In the novel, The Outsiders, the author S.E. Hinton argues not to judge someone by their outward appearance, and that violence is not the right way to solve your problems. This is illustrated through several characters but is especially prominent through Johnny. Johnny somehow finds ways to be brave, strong, and caring in a neighborhood full of drunk Socs and parents that abuse him. This is shown through the change and development in Johnny through him being the gang’s “pet”, killing Bob, and dying for others. Ponyboy narrates at the beginning of the novel that Johnny is like a scared puppy and “pet” of the gang. Ponyboy illustrates, “If you can picture a little dark puppy that has been kicked too many times and is lost in a crowd of strangers, you'll have Johnny.” (Hinton 11). Initially, this shows that Johnny is like a little puppy, has been hurt badly, and feels like he does not belong. By looking at this, the quote implies that Johnny is a scared, little kid that has grown up with abusive parents. It shows he feels as if he does not belong in the town society he is living in. This quote is trying to explain why Johnny acts the way he does towards others and how he understands …show more content…
For this reason, he always carries a pocket knife just in case he was ever to get jumped again, because if he ever was, he wouldn't hesitate to use it. Later Ponyboy even narrates, “‘You really killed him, huh, Johnny?’ ‘Yeah.’ His voice quavered slightly. ‘I had to. They were drowning you, Pony. They might have killed you. And they had a blade... they were gonna beat me up...’”(Hinton 57). This is showing that Johnny wasn't going to get beaten again, so he stabbed someone in self defense. By looking at this, the quote implies that Johnny is brave, and somewhat selfless. It also shows why you can't judge someone by their outside