Ponyboy is protected and sheltered by his brother and friends. The moment he chooses to save the children in the church is a pivotal moment for him. He finds himself, and his strength, but ends up losing two friends as a result. Johnny expresses pride in their decision, and reveals to Pony the meaning of the Robert Frost poem by inferring that the children's lives were worth more than his because they were young and innocent, and had more to offer. He dies with honor. Dally expresses anger and regret about their decision which eventually leads to his death as
