Johnny Cade: A True Hero

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Who is the TRUE hero of The Outsiders? To most people, this book has many heroes that are all held in our hearts. Including Dallas, Darry, PonyBoy, and even Two-bit. But none can come close to our hero, the REAL hero, Johnny Cade. As he seems to be the strength in the group, takes all the abuse and continues to stand up, and shows a bravery that is hard to find anywhere. Johnny Cade is a small boy that manages to keep the peace in this rough group. A young boy with a kind heart is the glue that sticks to everyone and keeps them all together. It is said, without Johnny, The Greasers would all fall apart. “But, Johnny was the gang’s pet, and Dally just couldn’t hit him.” Ponyboy had said after Johnny told Dallas off without consequence. The reasoning to this, may lay somewhere in authority and protection. Johnny is the one who everyone feels needs to protect, and Everyone else had stood around aimlessly and confused (other than Ponyboy who was right with Johnny), but Johnny was the one who really jumped into the action. This remarkable boy leaped into danger that would soon claim his life, without a second thought. Many would say that the character Ponyboy should be the main hero of our story, but that’s just not the case. Ponyboy was easily pushed down, letting things get to him and letting his emotions take complete control. One push or slap from his brother and he runs away, like a cowardly lion scrambling into the tall grass of the savannah. Johnny on the other hand, is forced against abuse that no one should be able to be put through. Yet he stands his ground. When it comes to Johnny, no one is as brave as him. To be able to stand against the evil that he is forced against, to show bravery in saving many lives and losing his own, and keep people together no matter how dark times can be. Johnny Cade, is our, real life

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