Chapter 5

Ponyboy seems slightly disoriented when he wakes up from his sleep at the abandoned church. He fantasizes that he is still at home with his brothers, but awakens to reality when he finds a note that informs him that Johnny has gone to get supplies. Johnny returns with some food and a paperback version of Gone with the Wind. He also proposes that they change their hairstyles and use peroxide to bleach their hair so that they cannot be recognized. Ponyboy rejects this idea initially because long hair makes him look ragged, but eventually agrees keeping their safety in mind. After the haircut, he is sad to see his new appearance. The boys talk about the incident that happened the night before and begin to cry out of shock. They eventually fall asleep. When they wake up, they feel more in control of their emotions.

Many days pass by and the boys entertain themselves by playing poker and reading aloud from the book. Johnny says that the book reminds him of how valiant Dally is. Ponyboy learns from Johnny that Dally had taken the blame for a crime that Two-Bit had committed. Ponyboy realizes that Johnny admires Dally while he still feels intimidated by Dally.

One day, while watching sunrise they reflect on the transient nature of its beauty. Ponyboy is reminded of Robert Frost’s poem “Nothing Gold Can Stay” and recites it to Johnny. They are captivated by how the poem exactly captures the feeling that they had while watching the sunrise. Johnny expresses his gratitude for Ponyboy who had pulled his attention towards the things of beauty like the sunrise and comments about how very different Ponyboy is from his family members. Ponyboy equally chimes in about Johnny’s uniqueness and distinction from other gang members.

Dally visits them and gives Ponyboy a letter from Sodapop. Through the letter, Sodapop communicates Darry’s concern for him and his apology for hitting Ponyboy. Dally takes them out for a meal and tells them that he has diverted the police with a lie that the perpetrators are headed toward Texas. He informs them that the tension between the two gangs has intensified since Bob’s death. He also tells them that Cherry has been acting as a spy for the Greasers.

Chapter 6

As Johnny and Ponyboy are feasting on the meal, Dally shares that Cherry is acting as the spy because she feels partly responsible for the situation that led to Bob’s murder. She has also promised to testify that Johnny acted only in self-defense. Johnny presents the idea that he and Ponyboy should turn themselves in to the police. Dally is unsure about it but Johnny is certain about this decision. Putting aside Dally’s worry that the prison system would harden him, Johnny states that he is certain of a good chance at the trial because he committed the act in self-defense. He also does not want to worry Ponyboy’s brothers any longer. Dally then agrees to drive them back. As they pass the abandoned church, which had housed them till a few hours ago, they notice that it is on fire. A crowd has gathered outside and they learn that a few children are caught inside the burning building. Johnny and Ponyboy suspect that their careless cigarette butts might have started the fire and rush in to help the children. The boys lift one child at a time and save them. Just then, Dally shouts out that the roof is collapsing. Just before the roof collapses, they manage to save all the children. Johnny also pushes Ponyboy out of the windows, saving him. Ponyboy hears Johnny’s screams behind him but Dally knocks him unconscious, preventing him from going back to the church.

Ponyboy wakes up in the ambulance with one of the school teachers, Jerry Wood. Jerry explains that Dally knocked out Ponyboy while putting out the fire. Later, Dally saves Johnny too. He mentions that Dally has sustained a few injuries, but Johnny is critical. Jerry appreciates their combined bravery. Ponyboy confesses that they are Greasers and Johnny is actual wanted for murder. The term “Greaser” is new to Jerry and, while surprised by the truth about Johnny, continues to comfort Ponyboy.

Ponyboy is quickly discharged from the hospital since he had only suffered minor burns. Jerry stays back with him as awaits information about Dally and Johnny. During this time, Ponyboy tells Jerry the complete story behind Bob’s murder. Jerry reassures him by saying that Johnny was indeed acting in self-defense and the court would also pay heed to the boys’ bravery in saving the children. The Curtis brothers arrive at the hospital and Ponyboy hugs Sodapop. Darry stands far away, crying. At that moment, Ponyboy realizes that Darry has always tried to protect Ponyboy from such situations. With this knowledge, Ponyboy apologizes to Darry and believes that things will get better once he is back home.

Chapter 7

Ponyboy and his brothers wait for news about Johnny and Dally. The reporters and police meet them and take their interviews and photos. Sodapop, with his charm and good looks, is a sensation with the reporters. A doctor finally emerges and tells them that Dally will recover in a few days, while Johnny’s back has broken. The doctor says that the accident might leave Johnny handicapped. Ponyboy is moved to tears on hearing this news when realizes that Greasers are not supposed to cry. He notes that many of them have internalized this learning.

They return home and Ponyboy wakes up before his brothers to cook breakfast for everyone. Steve Randle and Two-Bit reach their home and show the newspaper to Ponyboy. He reads the headline which states that two juvenile delinquents have turned out to be heroes due to their courageous actions. Two-Bit is cross with the use of the term “turn” because he believes that Johnny and Ponyboy were always heroes. The report does not condemn Johnny for Bob’s death since both Cherry and Randy testified that Johnny acted in self-defense. The article concludes with an opinion that the Curtis brothers should stay together. It hadn’t previously occurred to Ponyboy that he and Sodapop might be separated from Darry. Ponyboy tells everyone that his nightmares which he experiences after his parents’ death have resurfaced. Darry is extremely concerned. Sodapop’s girlfriend, Sandy, suddenly moves to Florida and this worries him. To distract Sodapop, Darry reminds him that they need to head to work. After they leave, Two-Bit and Ponyboy head to buy sodas. On their way, they spot the blue Mustang again. Randy emerges from the car and walks toward the Greasers. The Greasers are ready for a fight, but Randy clarifies that he is there for a conversation and not a fight. Seated in Randy’s car, he expresses his astonishment at Ponyboy’s act of saving the children and enquires what motivated him to do so. He says that he never thought a Greaser would do something like that. Ponyboy says that the act of saving the children had nothing to do with his Greaser identity and anybody, even Randy, would have done it. Randy shares his grief for Bob’s death and says he cannot continue with the gang wars anymore. He shares his decision that he would not be taking part in the rumble. Randy tells them that Bob was a good friend but was temperamental, mostly owing to difficulties in Bob’s family.

Chapter 8

Two-Bit and Ponyboy visit the hospital. Johnny is very weak and requests for a copy of Gone with the Wind, and Two-Bit goes to get one from a drugstore. Johnny confesses to Ponyboy that he does not feel ready to die and believes he is entitled to more opportunities in life. The nurse announces that Johnny’s mother is there to visit him, but Johnny refuses to meet her. The boys visit Dally next. He seems to be recovering well but is dejected to know that he will miss the rumble between the Socs and Greasers. Dally enquires about Johnny, and Two-Bit tells him the reality hesitatingly. Dally holds Two-Bit’s prized switchblade and proclaims that to keep Johnny’s honor intact the Greasers win the rumble. Two-Bit notices that Ponyboy looks unwell as they are waiting for a bus home. Ponyboy asks Two-Bit to not mention this to Darry. Two- Bit realizes that if it weren’t for the place he was born in, Ponyboy could have been a Soc.

Ponyboy fears that something ominous might happen at the rumble. Two-Bit calls him a coward and hopes that Greasers score a big win over the Socs. Cherry informs them that the Socs plan to play by Greaser rules and not use weapons. Ponyboy asks Cherry if she will visit Johnny at the hospital, but she refuses. Ponyboy is angered and accuses Cherry of being a traitor. Cherry tells him that it has been difficult for her to get over the death of a loved one. Ponyboy empathizes with Cherry and seeks forgiveness for his outburst.

Analysis of Chapter 5 to Chapter 8

Ponyboy desires to be home since he feels safe there; he never imagined he’d have to leave it. The moment when Johnny and Ponyboy cut their hair is pivotal since hair is a big part of their identity as the Greasers. It is important to note that they had to let go of their identity as Greasers to save themselves. Their mutual support as they burst into tears recollecting the night of murder

Underlines their fear and sense of helplessness. This is also the moment when they become mature and independent, trying to take a decision that would work best for everyone.

Ponyboy is able to spread joy even when he is vulnerable. Ponyboy and Johnny discuss the limitations of language and feel a connection with Frost’s poetic language. It is ironic that it is only after committing a murder that they find the space and time to admire nature and its beauty. Ponyboy and Johnny are able to identify that they have individual quirks that set them apart from the Greasers.

The safety and isolation that the boys experience is interrupted when Dally pays them a visit and tells him about his plans to protect them. This pricks Johnny’s conscience, and he wants to turn himself to the police. The boys are astonished to know that Cherry has offered to help them; in this moment they realize that not all Socs are the same. When Johnny confesses that he will be surrendering to the authorities, Dally requests Johnny to reconsider his decision. Dally wants to protect Johnny from prisons and the messy judicial system. However, Johnny resolves to stick to his decision of surrendering himself to the police.

The incident of the burning church is a test for the boys’ moral compass. This incident shows the author’s skillful use of the trope of divine intervention. Johnny and Ponyboy’s decision to jump into the fire to save the children reveals that they are essentially helpful and altruistic. These characteristics stand in sharp contrast to the image that the reporters and the police folks at Tulsa are attempting to paint. The guilt of possibly starting the fire motivates them to act swiftly to save lives.

The character of Jerry is introduced to make him a witness to the boys’ acts of bravery and selflessness. Ponyboy makes up with Darry as he understands that Darry has his best interests in mind. Ponyboy’s sensitivity is reflected in his concern for Johnny’s situation.

It is important to view the boys’ heroism in relation to their social and economic reality. The society expects only the most vile behavior from the Greasers, owing to which this heroic and generous leaves them stunned. Ponyboy’s nightmare reveals the trauma that he has lived with. The conversation between Randy and Ponyboy shows that there’s hope for change and also shatters the illusion of homogeneity within gangs.

Johnny and Ponyboy remain confidantes even during this difficult phase; Johnny confides in Ponyboy that he fears death. Even when Johnny is critical and admitted to the hospital, he refuses to meet his mother. This is a testimony to the fact that the boys are capable of choosing what is best for them. While the accident brings out the most human fear in Johnny, it brings out aggression and vengeance in Dally. Even as Cherry and Randy choose to not fight the violent fight, Dally does not want to miss the ramble. This shows that a major part of his identity is attached to these acts of violence. In contrast to this, having experienced the worst effect of the gang rivalry, Ponyboy fears the result of the rumble. He is deeply affected by Johnny’s state and is unable to see Cherry’s pain.