When Johnny and Ponyboy turn to Dally for help, Dally reacts to Ponyboy the same way that Darry did, questioning Ponyboy's common sense. This slap did make Pony run away, thus in Ponyboy's mind starting this whole nightmare: "I bet Darry's sorry he ever hit me." As a result of frustration and fear for Pony's safety, Darry had slapped him when he returned home well after curfew. Ponyboy blames Darry for starting this string of events just as many children - and adults - blame their parents for all of their misfortunes. This single action starts a series of events that leads Ponyboy on a path of self-examination, characterized by his statement, "There are things worse than being a greaser." When he kills Bob, Johnny loses the look of a wild animal caught in a trap and instead he "looked as cool as Darry ever had." By killing Bob, Johnny takes control of his life in the only way that he thinks is possible. The church gives Ponyboy a creepy feeling, perhaps a premonition, but sleep overtakes both boys and any fears or premonitions are lost to exhaustion.Ĭhapter 4 contains one of the novel's primary climaxes, the decisive turning point to which many of the preceding chapters' foreshadowing alludes. On their walk up the mountain to the church, they notice that their appearances contrast sharply with the country culture. Ponyboy and Johnny follow Dally's instructions. Dally instructs them to hop a train to Windrixville, hike up Jay Mountain, and stay in an abandoned church until he comes for them. They find Dally there, and he provides them with $50, a gun, warm, dry clothes for Pony, and a plan that includes a safe hiding place. Knowing that Dally is the gang member with the resources to help them, they go in search of him to a party at the home of Buck Merril, Dally's rodeo partner. Johnny is cool, as Ponyboy has never before seen him, and states that they need money, a gun, and a plan. Ponyboy sees the Soc, Bob, lying in a pool of blood. Johnny is next to him and tells him, "I've killed that boy." Johnny is stained with blood and is still clutching his switchblade. Ponyboy awakens on the pavement gasping for air. In fear, Pony gasps for air but realizes too late that he is sucking in water and drowning. Johnny pulls his switchblade, but a weaponless Pony is grabbed before he knows it and shoved face first into a chilling fountain. These Socs had threatened Two-Bit, Johnny, and Ponyboy earlier in the evening when they found them walking with Cherry and Marcia. The boys realize that they are outnumbered as five Socs climb out of the car, including Bob and Randy, Cherry's and Marcia's boyfriends. A blast from a car horn alerts them that the blue Mustang is near. Ponyboy and Johnny reach the park around 2:30 a.m.
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