Or so he thought. As Pony discovers, the world isn't black and white, Greasers and Socs. Life is tough all around, and the rumbles don't solve anything.
This book is seen as one of the defining pieces of Young Adult literature, and for a good reason. It doesn't just bring up questions about violence and society, but it's a powerful coming of age story. Pony lives with his two older brothers after their parents die, and the three of them try to make everything work out. Darry is tough on Pony but not on Sodapop so Pony thinks that Darry doesn't love him, but he couldn't be more wrong. Pony doesn't like Dally cause he's tough and kinda scary, but Johnny knows better. There was a theme throughout regarding which was better, to keep your innocence, yet potentially leave yourself vulnerable; or to toughen up so no one will mess with you, but lose your ability to see beauty in the world. It's important to find a balance, but it's not always easy to stay gold in this world.
