This is a very interesting quote with which to examine
this excellent novel. Of course, when reading it, the first character that comes to mind
is Johnny and his heroic, self-sacrificial act of saving the children from the fire in
the church. In particular, I recall Johnny's words in the letter that he sent to Ponyboy
and how, close to his death, he comes to a real understanding of the value of his
actions:
Listen, I don't mind dying now. It's worth it.
It's worth saving those kids. Their lives are worth more than mine, they have more to
live for. Some of their parents came by to thank me and i know it was worth
it.
Clearly, Johnny has shown
his true character in that moment where he chose to save the lives of his children by
sacrificing his own.
However, at the same time I think of
other characters when I read this quote, such as Darry, who was forced to give up his
hopes of studying, even though he was intelligent enough to gain a scholarship, so that
he could look after his brothers. I also think of Ponyboy and how at the end of the
story he resolves to contribute something to try and help the horrendous division that
he has experienced. Each of them in a way are not living in moments of "comfort and
convenience," but are standing at times of "challenge and controversy." As a result,
they show their true colours.
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