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Dallas Winston Character Analysis: The Outsiders
Nathan Katica Ms. Kepler
11-22-2008 1 st Period
Dallas Winston
Dallas Winston, also known as Dally, is considered the “real character” of the gang known as the greasers in S.E. Hinton’s dramatic novel The Outsiders . His blonde, almost white hair, blazing blue eyes, high cheekbones and pointed chin only emphasize his bitter exterior. Greasers are not typical hoodlums. They share a sense of hope which the Curtis brothers reflect in their attempt to create a future for Ponyboy. This sense of hope is the shade of difference that separates a greaser from a hood and that difference is not present in Dally. Spending three years on the wild side of New York, where he is arrested at age ten has shaped him into a savage delinquent.
Dally hates to do things the legal way. In fact, he goes out of his way to break the law (20). Sadly, Dally cannot love anything- the fight for self preservation during his time in New York and his time in jail has hardened him beyond caring (59). In addition, Dally does not have the capacity to resolve conflict. If something beefed him, he would retaliate (89).
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Nonetheless, Dally is thought of as the most noble of and the most loyal to the gang. After the unfortunate incident of Johnny Cade killing a Soc named Bob in order to protect Pony, Dally does not hesitate to guide them into the old church in Windrixville for hiding to escape the police where the greasers lived, and nor does he hesitate to provide them with protection and money, even if it meant going to jail himself. When Two-Bit Matthews, Dally’s friend and a greaser, broke windows in the school building, the police accused and pursued Dally. Dally remained calm and never denied the accusation, and even accepted the jail sentence (76). After Pony and Johnny went into hiding for the murder of Bob, Dally never revealed where they were. In fact, Dally told the police they were bound for Texas (80). Therefore, Dally is admirable in his willingness to sacrifice himself for the well being of his friends; he shows an ability to be compassionate for others. Even though he has lived a hard life, Dally demonstrates that he is not selfish when it comes to his friends.
Hidden behind Dally’s rough exterior is a passionate love for Johnny, a love motivated by Dally’s sight of himself in him and an internal desperation for love. If it had been anyone but Johnny who had told him to stop harassing Cherry and Marcia at the Nightly Double, Dally would have flattened him (24). Dally admired Johnny’s soft spoken personality and didn’t want a sentence in jail to harden Johnny like it had hardened himself (89-90).
Dallas Winston grew up poor and disadvantaged and he became what seemed to be a depraved person. However, as the story unfolds it becomes clear that people who can be presumed as depraved can develop to sacrifice themselves for their friends and mature to attain redeeming qualities such as loyalty and bravery.
Document Details
- Word Count 516
- Page Count 3
- Level International Baccalaureate
- Subject World Literature
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Dally: the Complex Rebel in “The Outsiders”
How it works
When considering S.E. Hinton’s novel “The Outsiders,” Dallas “Dally” Winston stands out as one of the most enigmatic and intricate characters. Set against the turbulent backdrop of gang warfare between the Socs and the Greasers in 1960s Oklahoma, Dally emerges as a representative of raw, unabashed defiance. However, peeling back the layers, one realizes that Dally is more than just a stereotypical juvenile delinquent; he embodies the tragic repercussions of a society that marginalizes its youth.
From his very introduction in the novel, Dally is depicted as the quintessential hardened criminal.
With a rap sheet that started at the age of ten, he is the most “street” of all the Greasers. Yet, it’s essential to understand the factors that mold Dally into the character he becomes. The environment in which he grows up is devoid of genuine affection and guidance. His stint in the harsh world of New York’s streets before moving to Oklahoma further solidifies his tough exterior. But this exterior is precisely that: a protective shell, guarding the vulnerability within.
One of the crucial aspects of Dally’s personality is his relationship with Johnny Cade, the gang’s “pet.” It’s through this relationship that readers catch glimpses of Dally’s underlying sensitivity. Johnny looks up to Dally, seeing him as a hero, while Dally, in turn, exhibits a protective, almost brotherly affection for Johnny. This bond is poignantly highlighted in the tragic turn of events leading up to Johnny’s death and Dally’s subsequent breakdown. The uncharacteristic display of emotion by Dally, as he pleads for Johnny to fight his injuries and survive, offers a stark contrast to his usually stoic demeanor. This moment reveals that beneath the rugged facade lies a heart capable of profound affection and, consequently, profound pain.
Dally’s life, marred by consistent exposure to violence, crime, and neglect, is a commentary on the societal structures of the time. He becomes the product of an environment that offers him no avenues for redemption. Every act of rebellion, every crime, every fight is a scream for recognition, a plea for understanding in a world that has continuously sidelined him. And while many dismiss Dally as a lost cause, Hinton masterfully crafts moments that reveal his depth, making readers question whether he’s merely a product of his circumstances.
The climax of Dally’s arc is as tragic as it is inevitable. Unable to cope with Johnny’s death, he chooses a path that he knows will lead to his end. His final act, waving an unloaded gun at the police, is a desperate attempt at “suicide by cop.” It’s not just the grief over Johnny’s loss that drives him to this point; it’s the culmination of a lifetime of neglect, pain, and the stark realization that the world has little to offer him.
In conclusion, Dally Winston, as portrayed in “The Outsiders,” serves as a potent reminder of the complexities inherent in human nature. Beyond the hard exterior of the seasoned criminal is a young man yearning for acceptance, love, and a place in the world. His journey, from defiant delinquency to tragic end, prompts readers to question societal norms and the ways in which environments shape individuals. Dally isn’t just a character in a novel; he is a testament to the myriad shades of gray that exist within the human psyche.
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| Theme Analysis |
Both the Socs and the greasers sacrifice their individuality to the styles and sentiments of their groups. Greasers, for example, wear their hair long and oiled, and share a common hostility toward the Socs.
At the start of the novel, Ponyboy is a dedicated greaser even though he knows that certain aspects of his personality make him different from the rest of the gang. The gang provides him with too great of a sense of safety and strength to even consider life outside of it. But the events surrounding Bob 's death cause Ponyboy to think more deeply about who he wants to be, and his conversations with Johnny , Cherry , and Randy lead him to reflect on the path his life is taking. He begins to question the reasons for conflict between Socs and greasers, and he thinks hard about the decision to participate in the rumble. Ponyboy's willingness to enter friendships with Socs signals the development of a distinct personal identity, one that includes association with the greasers but excludes total devotion to the greaser way of life. Darry encourages Ponyboy to pursue a life beyond gang membership, and the deaths of Johnny and Dally inspire the expression of his individual point of view in the English essay he writes. By the end of the novel, Ponyboy has committed himself to a life that will, at least in part, encourage other boys to find their own paths and voices, outside of the gang identity.
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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — The Outsiders — Comparing Johnny and Dally in The Outsiders
Comparing Johnny and Dally in The Outsiders
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Words: 830 |
Published: Jun 13, 2024
Words: 830 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read
Table of contents
Johnny: the sensitive soul, dally: the rebellious spirit, implications and themes, bibliography.
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In S. E. Hinton's novel "The Outsiders," the character of Dallas Winston, also known as Dally, plays a significant role in the story. Dally is portrayed as a tough, rebellious, and troubled teenager who often finds himself in trouble with the law. His complex personality and actions raise interesting questions about the nature of masculinity ...
In conclusion, Dally Winston's character in The Outsiders is marked by his involvement in various criminal activities. Through his participation in petty crimes and more serious offenses, Dally embodies rebellion and defiance. ... Loss in The Outsiders Essay. Loss is a central theme in S.E. Hinton's novel, The Outsiders, which tells the story ...
Get original essay. Dally Winston is portrayed as a hardened and cynical individual who has faced many hardships in his young life. Growing up in a tough neighborhood and experiencing loss and trauma at a young age have shaped Dally into the tough and aloof person he presents to the world. His tough exterior is a defense mechanism to protect ...
Character Analysis Dallas (Dally) Winston. Dally Winston had been in gangs in New York City before joining the greasers. He is Ponyboy's least favorite member of the gang, and Pony considers him "tougher, colder, meaner." Johnny and Pony turn to Dally when they need help escaping after Johnny kills Bob.
Dally is cold, mean, and tough. He is far tougher than the other members of the Greasers. He does not respect the law and often finds himself involved in crime. He slashes tires, steals, and acts ...
Of all the young adult novels of that period, The Outsiders is by far the most idealistic, the least concerned with the strictly realistic. In its search for innocence, for heroes, for that Garden ...
Summary: Dally is portrayed as a tough, hardened greaser whose motivations stem from a troubled past and a desire to protect those he cares about. His rough exterior hides a deep loyalty to his ...
A tough, hardened greaser. Dally grew up on the streets of New York and learned early to depend upon himself. He has a long criminal record and is prone to risk-taking, yet he is also a loyal and compassionate friend. He is devoted to Johnny, in whom he sees the potential that he himself has lost.
Dallas Winston, also known as Dally, is considered the "real character" of the gang known as the greasers in S.E. Hinton's dramatic novel The Outsiders. His blonde, almost white hair, blazing blue eyes, high cheekbones and pointed chin only emphasize his bitter exterior. Greasers are not typical hoodlums.
Kaia DiMarco 12/7/17 English essay period 3 In the novel the outsiders by S.E. Hinton Johnny, Dally and Ponyboy have each others backs and would do anything to save one another and other people, even if it meant their lives were at risk.
In S.E. Hinton's novel, The Outsiders, Johnny Cade was the youngest member of the Greasers. His best friend was Ponyboy Curtis, because he and Ponyboy were both the youngest members of the group ...
Essay Example: When considering S.E. Hinton's novel "The Outsiders," Dallas "Dally" Winston stands out as one of the most enigmatic and intricate characters. Set against the turbulent backdrop of gang warfare between the Socs and the Greasers in 1960s Oklahoma, Dally emerges as a representative
The essay explores the character of Dallas Winston in S. E. Hinton's novel "The Outsiders" and highlights his complexity, including his strong character, bravery, and relationships with his friends. Dallas, also known as Dally, is portrayed as a tough and violent individual with a fierce reputation.
Dally Character Analysis Essay. 531 Words3 Pages. "Get tough like me and you will not get hurt.". Dally says this to Ponyboy on page 147 in the book. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton is about how you treat other people and the author explains by talking about conflict between the poor Greasers and the rich Socs in the mid-1960s in Tulsa, OK.
Dallas Winston, is one of the most important character in the novel, The Outsiders. Being part of the greasers gang, Dallas gives out a gallant feel. With this, many readers may think he is gallant, but actually he is not. Dallas Winston is not gallant, because he is a fake, desperate, and cowardly person. First of all, Dallas Winston presents ...
Darry encourages Ponyboy to pursue a life beyond gang membership, and the deaths of Johnny and Dally inspire the expression of his individual point of view in the English essay he writes. By the end of the novel, Ponyboy has committed himself to a life that will, at least in part, encourage other boys to find their own paths and voices, outside ...
He loves to be involved in man vs. man action, it appears that he does not love anyone except himself, but that changes in the end of the book. Dally can be described as troublesome, caring, and violent. Dally can be described as troublesome for many reasons, one example is when Pony boy is describing Dally as a character, he says he has quite ...
The Outsiders, a novel by S.E. Hinton, explores the lives of two rival gangs, the Greasers and the Socs, and the struggles they face in a society marked by violence and social class divisions. Through the eyes of the protagonist, Ponyboy Curtis, we witness the complex and multifaceted nature of the characters in this story.This essay will undertake a character analysis of three key figures in ...
Throughout literature, characters often serve as representations of different values, beliefs, and behaviors. In S.E. Hinton's novel, The Outsiders, the characters Johnny and Dally stand out as contrasting figures in terms of their personalities, actions, and impact on the storyline. Johnny, a sensitive and empathetic young boy, stands in stark contrast to Dally, a tough and rebellious teenager.