The Theme of Family

The novel explores the meaning of family, both biological and chosen, and the lengths to which characters go to protect and stay together.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Curtis Brothers

Blood and Sacrifice Darry's Burden Darry gave up college to work and keep the family together. He is only twenty but carries the weight of two jobs and raising his brothers. He is strict because he is scared. Sodapop's Role Sodapop dropped out of school to help support the family. He is the emotional glue, keeping the peace between Darry and Ponyboy. He loves both brothers deeply. Ponyboy's Growth Ponyboy learns to appreciate Darry's sacrifices. The three brothers are all they have left. The novel's final message is that family is worth fighting for.

The Gang as Family

Chosen Brothers Johnny's Home Johnny's biological parents are abusive and neglectful. The gang is his real family. They give him love, protection, and a sense of belonging. He is the gang's pet. Dally's Isolation Dally does not have a family. His parents do not care about him. He finds a surrogate family in the gang, but he is still hardened. He cannot fully connect. The Loss of Family When Johnny and Dally die, the gang loses two members. The threat of the boys' home underscores the fragility of their family. They cling to each other because they have nothing else.

The Threat of Separation

Fighting to Stay Together The Hearing Ponyboy fears that the judge will separate him from Darry and Soda. The social workers might put him in a boys' home. The family is at risk. The Judge's Decision The judge acquits Ponyboy and lets him stay with his brothers. The family is preserved. Ponyboy is relieved. The Importance of Unity Sodapop's plea to stop fighting wakes Darry and Ponyboy up. They realize that their family is the most important thing. The novel ends with them running home together, united.

the entire story

throughout the story

after the rumble, Chapters 10-12