By losing their hair, the outward trademark of their identity, they change perspectives - not only from their own point of view, but the perspectives of others around them. They are no longer greasers unfortunately, they are now fugitives. On the surface, their new short haircuts offer them a disguise, but the haircuts also exemplify the fact that they are cutting their ties with the past. The cutting of Ponyboy's and Johnny's hair is a very symbolic gesture. The greasers have a secret weapon they have a spy working for them: Cherry Valance. Because of the killing, the Socs and the greasers are engaged in all-out warfare, and a major rumble is planned. While Johnny and Ponyboy inhale many rounds of food, Dally gives them a quick rundown of the events back home.

They stop at a Dairy Queen and both boys eat nonstop. They head down the mountain with Dally at the wheel doing 85 miles per hour. Because of this misinformation, Dally tells Johnny and Ponyboy that it is safe to go out for a drive and get some food. Soda's letter expresses how worried both he and Darry are and how much they miss Pony.ĭally had been picked up and questioned about the murder, and had let it slip that the boys might be heading for Texas. Soda had discovered Pony's sweatshirt at Buck's and realized that Dally knew where Pony was hiding. This routine continues for five days until Dally shows up and brings them back in touch with the outside world.ĭally brings news, and a letter for Ponyboy from Sodapop. Following Dally's orders, they stay inside the church and pass the time playing poker and reading aloud from Gone with the Wind. In an effort to blend in and disguise their appearances, Johnny cuts and bleaches Ponyboy's hair Ponyboy in turn cuts Johnny's hair. Johnny had gone for supplies and returned with food, cigarettes, soap, peroxide, a deck of playing cards, and the book Gone with the Wind. Waking up in a church with the dull realization that Johnny's killing of Bob and the flight from the law really did happen, Ponyboy daydreams about being with Darry and Soda and how wonderful life was at home.

The outsiders setting