Ponyboy is fourteen, and Darry is twenty. Darry has left school to take care of his two younger brothers, Ponyboy and Sodapop, due to the death of their parents. However, Darry tells Ponyboy his reason for leaving was due to him being “dumb” (17). Instead of worrying about himself and his future, Darry takes on the responsibility as parent. Together, the boys and the Greasers face the Socs, “West-side rich kids,” causing them all to grow up in a way (2). The boys are “poorer than the Socs and the middle class,” causing them to be a target (2). The Socs “jump greasers and wreck houses and throw beer blats for kicks…” (2). The Greasers have to come together to face the torment of the Socs. Bullying done by the Socs could result in “…risky
