That Was Then This Is Now Ponyboy

Okay, let's talk about a book that probably gave you all the feels back in the day: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. Specifically, let's zoom in on our main man, Ponyboy Curtis.

Remember Ponyboy? The kid who liked sunsets and reading in a world filled with rumble fights and switchblades?

Ponyboy Then: All the Feels

Back then, Ponyboy was basically a walking empathy machine. He felt everything deeply! Think of him as the proto-sensitive guy; he just didn't have the beard oil or ironic t-shirt to go with it.

He was trying to navigate the tricky world of being a Greaser, dealing with Socs, and losing loved ones.

His world was divided into two very distinct categories, the haves and the have nots. A war between the two groups who were constantly at each others throats.

What Was His Deal?

Okay, Ponyboy's life was basically a non-stop drama fest. Can you imagine having to worry about getting jumped every time you walked down the street?

He was the kind of guy who'd probably cry if you stepped on a flower. A pure heart is good but to survive in that type of environment it was not!

He was sensitive, artistic, and a total fish out of water in his own gang. Ponyboy felt like a loner!

Ponyboy Now: Grown-Up Greaser?

Let's fast forward a few decades. What would Ponyboy be up to today?

Would he still be rocking the greased hair? Probably not.

Here's my theory: he's become a creative writing professor at a small liberal arts college, which is 100% believable.

Professor Ponyboy

Imagine Ponyboy lecturing on the symbolism of sunsets in classic literature. He'd be wearing a tweed jacket, probably with elbow patches, and grading papers with a fountain pen.

His classes would be legendary, full of insightful discussions and maybe a few tearful moments.

Now he would be making the future generations more sensitive and empathetic. This would be his ultimate goal!

Still a Greaser at Heart?

Even though he's a respectable academic, I bet there's still a little bit of Greaser in him.

Maybe he secretly rides a vintage motorcycle on weekends, or listens to classic rock a little too loud.

He would visit the old neighborhood and catch up with the few remaining Greasers to see where their lives took them.

Why We Still Love Ponyboy

The reason Ponyboy resonates so much is because he reminds us of that feeling of being an outsider, of not quite fitting in.

Everyone feels like that at some point, right? He would probably be shocked at all the support that he is getting.

He taught us the importance of empathy, of seeing the world through other people's eyes.

"Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold."

He now lives a more sheltered life compared to when he was younger. He can walk the streets at night, and know that he will not get jumped.

So, next time you're feeling a little lost or out of place, just remember Ponyboy. Even if he's now a professor in tweed, he's still that same kid who loved sunsets and believed in the good in everyone.

And that's something worth staying gold for.