Pony and Johnny are jumped and Bob is killed This is the most important event of the novel as had this event not happened, most of the conflict in the book would not have happened. Because of this event, Pony and Johnny end up on the run, leading to Johnny’s and later Dally’s death. Pony is almost killed, helping him to eventually understand that there are both good and bad Socs and that they can’t be lumped together just because they are rich and generally the enemy. Though this event only emphasizes the cruelty of the Socs, the aftermath of it helps him realize the humanity of the Socs. Furthermore, the Pony’s near death experience helps Johnny to overcome his fear of the Socs and stand up for himself and those he cares for. Bob’s resulting death because of Johnny overcoming his fear is also somewhat poetic. It is not said but it is heavily implied that Bob was the Soc who attacked Johnny leaving him traumatized. Johnny attacking and killing Bob during Bob 's attempt to drown Pony is almost a type of healing for Johnny as it allows him to get over his fear of the Socs and the trauma of his attack by the Socs. Another point to make is that this event helps some of the Socs and a few Greasers realize that they don’t want to be a part of the Soc-Grease conflict. This event also caused the rumble in the end of the book by increasing the Soc-Greaser tension and hostility. The Socs see Pony and Johnny with Cherry and Marcia This event is important because had the Socs not seen