Natthanicha Ruangrat

Nicha

English 9

30 August 2019

Johnny TEPAC Paragraph

Throughout the chapter of S.E. Hinton’s novel, ​The Outsiders,​ the side character,

Johnny Cade, was introduced with his low self-esteem and negative self image. He was first

mentioned by Ponyboy how he “had seen Johnny after four Socs got hold of him” and

“Johnny was scared of his own shadow after that” (Hinton 4). Based on these descriptions, it

demonstrates how and why Johnny has low self-esteem. From all the abuse and beating he

received, it lead his self image to be weak and a kid who need other people protection, unable

to protect himself. Ponyboy also mentioned Johnny’s family condition how “[Johnny] father

was always beating him up, and his mother ignored him” (Hinton 12). This shows how his

family views him as a useless object, not needed in the family, pushing Johnny to view

himself less as a human. Not only that, coming from an abusive family gives Johnny a low

self-esteem but also how Ponyboy “could hear [Johnny’s mother] yelling at him clear down

at [Ponyboy] house” and how much he “think [Johnny] hated that worse than getting

whipped” (Hinton 12). His self-esteem get even lower from all the embarrassment to have

this kind of family. When his parents yelled and shouted at him, so loudly the neighbors can

hear it, making he to often think of running away. This congruence between his low

self-esteem and negative self image, lead to his high ideal self, which are totally opposite of

how he views himself. He looks up to Dally, wishing he was mature and strong like him.

Wanted to be taller, stronger and be able to fight off the Socs. To be able to protect himself

and others, to not be the gang’s burden.