How Did Johnny Die In The Outsiders?

In the novel The Outsiders, Johnny was fatally stabbed in the back by a Soc while attempting to escape from a fight. The Soc who stabbed Johnny was never identified or caught. Johnny’s death had a profound effect on his fellow Greasers; they became more united and determined to win their ongoing fight against their rival gang, the Socs. In addition, Johnny’s death helped Ponyboy realize how fragile life could be and that it was important to cherish every moment. Following his funeral, which was attended by both Greasers and Socs, there was a significant decrease in violent interactions between the two gangs. The character of Johnny Cade is based on author S.E. Hinton’s experiences growing up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Outsiders is told from the perspective of the Greasers, a gang of poor and mainly teenage boys who live in the fictional town of Tulsa. Two Greasers, Johnny Cade and Ponyboy Curtis, are particularly close friends. The novel’s final chapter, “Johnny’s Death,” recounts an event that occurs during one summer evening when a number of Greasers are gathered at a movie theater. A rival gang known as the Socs attacks them and Johnny is left lying dead on the side of the road after being stabbed by members of the rival gang.