Are Ponyboy And Johnny Juvenile Delinquents Or Heroes?

Jay Mountain, Oklahoma, 1965
A local church on the top of Jay Mountain was set to flames by what appears to be a cigarette. Many children were trapped inside the burning church. Two boys by the names of Ponyboy and Johnny rushed into the fire and saved all of the kids. The investigation continues, but evidence has been uncovered that the boys are Greasers and were near the church because they were running away from possible charges of manslaughter. So now the real question is: Are Ponyboy and Johnny juvenile delinquents or heroes?
Greasers
Ponyboy and Johnny, the two heroes of the church fire are known as Greasers. Greasers are from the East Side of town, commonly poor, reckless, often involved in crime, gang fights, and general trouble. Ponyboy is a fourteen year old boy who lives with his older brothers, Darry and Sodapop. Ever since his parents got into an automobile crash and were killed, Ponyboy and his brothers live on their own. Johnny is a sixteen year old who comes from a tough home, with an abusive father. Johnny is being accused of

In self defense and trying to stop the Socs from drowning Ponyboy, Johnny pulled out his switchblade and killed Bob. The boys quickly decided to get out of town in an effort to avoid the “fuzz.” The boys say they hid away in the abandoned church for about five days when their friend and member of their gang, Dally Winston, came to help them. As they decided to turn themselves in, and walked past the church which had been their hiding place, they saw it was set afire. Johnny, acting quickly, ran into the church with Ponyboy following. The boys successfully got all the children out safe and unharmed. Unfortunately, when Ponyboy escaped the church, Johnny was still stuck inside. Dally rescued Johnny and now both are in the hospital recovering from their