Contents
Chapter 6
Overview
Dally reveals Cherry will testify for the Greasers, prompting Johnny to decide to surrender. Before they can return, the church catches fire; Ponyboy and Johnny save trapped children, and Dally rescues Ponyboy. Johnny is critically injured, Dally is burned, and at the hospital Ponyboy reunites with Soda and Darry, finally reconciling with Darry.
Summary
Over sundaes, Dally reports that Cherry Valance blames herself for the conflict, is spying for the Greasers, and will testify the Socs were drunk and the killing was self-defense. Johnny then declares he and Ponyboy will turn themselves in so Ponyboy can go home and because Johnny expects leniency.
Dally objects, revealing rare vulnerability: jail hardened him and he fears the same for Johnny. As they reach Jay Mountain, they find the church ablaze. Believing their cigarettes started it, Ponyboy and Johnny climb through a window to rescue missing schoolchildren. They pass kids out the window as the roof begins to collapse.
Dally shouts for them to stop, but they finish evacuating the children. Ponyboy leaps out; when Johnny is trapped by falling timber, Dally charges in, drags Johnny out, and knocks Ponyboy down to extinguish flames on Ponyboy’s back. Ambulances take them to the hospital. In transit, Jerry Wood praises their bravery as Ponyboy anxiously learns Dally’s arm is burned and Johnny may have a broken back with severe burns.
At the hospital, Dally is stable but scorched; Johnny is unconscious and critical. Jerry stays with Ponyboy, who explains their story. Sodapop and Darry arrive; Darry breaks down in tears, revealing his fear of losing Ponyboy. Ponyboy realizes Darry’s strictness comes from love, and they reconcile.
Who Appears
- Ponyboy CurtisNarrator; helps rescue children from the burning church, suffers smoke inhalation, reunites with Soda and Darry, and reconciles with Darry.
- Johnny CadeDecides to surrender; bravely rescues children; trapped by falling timber, critically injured with severe burns and possible broken back.
- Dallas "Dally" WinstonBrings news of Cherry’s help; opposes surrender, fearing jail will harden Johnny; rescues Ponyboy and pulls Johnny out, burning his arm.
- Jerry WoodSchool picnic chaperone; aids Ponyboy in ambulance, praises their heroism, stays with him at the hospital.
- Darrel "Darry" CurtisArrives at hospital, cries with relief, revealing deep care; reconciles with Ponyboy after prior conflict.
- Sodapop CurtisGreets Ponyboy joyfully at the hospital and helps bridge the reconciliation with Darry.
- Cherry ValanceOffstage; vows to testify the Socs were drunk and that the killing was self-defense, aiding the Greasers.
- Mrs. O’BriantSchool picnic adult who witnesses the rescue and considers the boys heroes.