Throughout their time spent hiding out in the abandoned church, Ponyboy and Johnny grow closer as friends by bonding over the novel Gone With the Wind. After Ponyboy reads about how the Southern gentlemen gallantly road into battle despite knowing that they were surely going to die, Johnny mentions that they remind him of Dally. Johhny then tells Ponyboy a story about how Dally took the blame for breaking out windows at the school, even though he didn't, just to keep Two-Bit out of trouble. Ponyboy mentions that he finally understands Johnny's hero-worship for Dally after hearing the story.
In Chapter 6, the boys return from eating at Dairy Queen to find out that the church is on fire, and several children are trapped inside. Without hesitation, Ponyboy runs into the burning building, and Johnny follows. While they are inside looking for the children, Ponyboy mentions that he isn't scared, which is odd considering he is inside a burning church. Pony then says,
"Johnny wasn't behaving at all like his old self...He wasn't scared either. That was the only time I can think of when I saw him without that defeated, suspicious look in his eyes. He looked like he was having the time of his life" (Hinton 79).
Ponyboy and Johnny are not scared because they finally have a chance to act out their fantasies of being gallant Southern gentlemen. Just like the heroes they read about in Gone With the Wind who risk their lives for the Southern cause, they too bravely enter a dangerous situation for noble reasons. The sheer excitement and thrill of participating in a noble cause is enough for them to overcome their fears. They are also feeling the effects of adrenaline which gives them increased energy and an almost invulnerable sensation.
No comments:
Post a Comment