Why Do People Kill Johnny

Johnny has a really rough life. When his parents aren't physically or verbally abusing him, they're ignoring him. Johnny can stay away from home for long periods of time and nobody seems to care or notice. The doctor said that if Johnny were to survive he would be crippled for life. He would have to be stuck in a house that he loathes, along with people who are apathetic about him. He is stuck in a nightmare, only he can’t wake up, you can’t escape reality. Johnny is considered “young and innocent” in the beginning of the book. However, his conceived innocence is soon diluted by the truly wicked act of murder. Johnny and Ponyboy were running away when some Socs stopped them and were going to beat them up. Johnny ended the impending fight quickly by stabbing Bob Sheldon, one of the Socs, in the back because he had told David to drown Ponyboy. …show more content…
Murder. It is a dirty word. To take a life is regarded as one of the gravest crimes one can commit. It is a capital sin. Yet, people kill. Why is it that something universally regarded as “bad” among human beings is still so common? What brings people to kill? According to the dictionary, murder is to kill (someone) unlawfully and with premeditation. So not only do you have to kill them, you have to plan their demise beforehand. Johnny had no intention of killing Bob. When thrust upon a situation like this, you only have one chance. You can’t sit around contemplating what to do; you have to act,