Who Is Responsible In The Outsiders

In the Novel “The Outsiders” Ponyboy Curtis lives with his older brother Darry, and his younger brother Sodapop. However it is an unwise decision to leave Ponyboy with Darry as he is an abusive, irresponsible, and immature guardian. Ponyboy Curtis should be put into the system where he will be better taken care of and in a more stable environment that he would be if he stays with Darry.

Firstly, Darry is irresponsible. At some points in the book it doesn’t seem like Darry cares for Ponyboy at all. “Our front door is always unlocked in case one of the boys is hacked off at his parents and needs a place to stay” Darry, knowing very well of the type of neighborhood they live in, should always lock the door. But instead of being a responsible adult, leaves the door open for their friends. Darry also allows Ponyboy to participate in dangerous activities like public fights. “Let me fight, Darry…”
“Well”-Darry gave in-”I guess you can.” Even after Ponyboy almost died in a fire Darry is

He hits Ponyboy when he tells him that he was sleeping in the lot, and when Sodapop tries to settle the conflict Darry goes over the edge.“You don’t yell at him!” Darry wheeled around and slapped me so hard that it knocked me against the door. Darry, the guardian, hits ponyboy for trying to stand up for his brother. This causes Ponyboy to run away further putting him in danger where he is then nearly drowned by Soc’s. Not only this but he also is in constant danger of being jumped if he’s alone. “I went on walking home, thinking about the movie, and then suddenly wishing I had some company. Greasers can’t walk alone much or they’ll get jumped.” This depicts the dangerous environment and people Ponyboy is around. Ponyboy would be much safer if he was taken in by the system. If he was put in a boy’s home he wouldn’t be threatened by his abusive guardian or the dangerous people of the