The Transformation of Dallas Winston in “The Outsiders”

The Outsiders, published in 1967, is a novel written by S.E Hinton. The story surrounds a "gang" of boys who live on the Eastern side of town - the poorer and wilder side - and the relationships the characters have with one another. They are "Greasers." Bitter, tough and fierce, Dallas Winston (Dally) is one of the main characters of The Outsiders. He is the toughest member of their gang, and first depicted as callous. However, as the plot unfurls, he is found to be a hero. Through numerous conflicts, themes and character development, his heroic traits are revealed.

What was the first major thing that made Dally a hero? Intriguingly, Johnny immediately thought to go to Dallas for help after murdering the Soc whose friends were drowning Ponyboy. Fearful about his manslaughter, the two boys sought Dally (chapter 4, page 71-76). When they meet with him and explain their situation, he didn't question them or consider not being involved. Without a second thought, Dally constructs a plan, gives them a gun and money, and hands Ponyboy warm clothes to avoid illness. Despite Ponyboy's descriptions of Dally, saying that he's uncaring, mean, and that Dally has a very masculine and sharp appearance, his actions contrast that description. He aided their escape from the 'fuzz' and illegally armed them. If he was caught, he'd receive jail time, but Dally was willing to risk it just for them. Keeping their secret, he didn't tell Ponyboy's brothers, Darry and Sodapop, about their felony, proving his trustworthiness. These acts made Dally a hero.

In comparison to the beginning of the story, where people viewed him as a cold-hearted criminal, others develop the impression that Dallas is a hero. When Johnny describes how Dallas took Two- Bit's sentence "without battin' an eye or even denyin' it" (chapter 4, page 93), stating that his act was gallant, Ponyboy realises that Dally is a real-life protagonist. After Johnny and Ponyboy go into the burning church to save the children, Dally instantly went to get them out, fearing for their safety (chapter 4, page 113). Jerry, the schoolteacher, said that they were the three bravest kids he's seen in a long time and "Mrs O'Briant and I think you were sent straight from heaven. Or are you just professional heroes or something?" (chapter 4, page 117) This proves that Dally grew to appear more caring, his heroism being better represented to other characters.

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Behind his cold demeanour, Dally has a softer, more understanding relationship with Johnny. In the aforementioned burning church incident, Johnny is hospitalised in critical condition, and Dally's arm is injured. Also, as a result of the murder, a rumble occurs between the Socs and Greasers for which Dallas boldly leaves the hospital - whilst wounded - to join the fight (chapter 9, page 175). Promptly after the greasers win, Dally goes with Ponyboy to tell Johnny of their success in hopes of giving him joy. With earlier foreshadowing, the plot twists and Johnny passes away. He was the only thing that Dallas truly loved and cared about in the world, so he quickly loses control after the death. Baiting the police into shooting him, Dally dies gallant, as Ponyboy states in chapter ten (page 187). He had the bravery to die instead of living a life full of hatred. In fact, gallant, meaning brave and heroic, is a word that is frequently used to describe Dally. However, every hero has a weakness; losing Johnny Cade was Dallas' weakness.

Gallant, courageous and strong, Dally proves to be one of the main protagonists. Risking his life twice in assisting Johnny and Ponyboy to escape and rescuing them from the burning building, Dally has proved himself to be a hero. Even though he ended his life, his death was valiant and desirable. Throughout the novel, he grows from a mean and uncaring soul to be willing to sacrifice himself for those he values. Therefore, the character, Dallas Winston is the hero of The Outsiders.

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