Character Analysis Of 'Johnny In The Book The Outsiders'

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Have you ever made a decision where you felt it was wrong, but it was the right thing to do? Well, many have. Many different situations can occur, but it is an often feeling. One book describes that internal conflict. It depicts a boy named Johnny who had to take action even though it was a hard decision to make. His friend’s life was on the line and though he wasn’t all mentally there, he knew enough to act fast. His decision took the life of one, but saved an innocent life. He was wanted for murder, but in reality he was innocent and there is proof to show it. The first reason that Johnny is innocent is that he saved Ponyboy. This is the biggest reason because it interferes with the reasons to say he’s guilty of committing a crime and committing a Mortal sin. Ponyboy and Johnny hadn’t wronged the Socs. They were simply hanging out with some girls and the Socs got jealous. The Socs came up to them and wanted to pick a fight. On pg. 55 Johnny said, “Your out of your territory.” Bob said, “You know what a greaser is? White trash with long hair.” This proves the Socs wanted to pick a fight. Johnny really risked his life to save Ponyboy by taking matters into his own hands and being the one to take blame of the murder. He might have committed a Venial sin, but a Mortal sin is out …show more content…

On pg. 57 Johnny said, “I had to, they were drowning you...and they had a switchblade, they were going to beat me up too.” This proves they wouldn’t stop. The Socs asked for it by interrogating them and attacking them. The Socs were also drunk so they didn’t even know when enough was enough. Johnny knew he would be next so he acted before any more harm could come to Ponyboy and himself. Johnny technically used self-defense too. He defended Ponyboy who was helpless and defended himself. Another line from the book proves they wouldn’t stop by saying on pg. 55, “You could use a bath greaser, and we’ve got all night to do