Dally's death forces readers to take another serious look at themes that are vital to understanding the novel.
One important theme is the evolution of family relationships. In this chapter, Pony is concerned that he may have only called for Soda, not for Darry, while he was sick and barely conscious. Finally, Soda eases his concerns with assurance that he did ask for Darry.
Early in the book, Pony believed that Darry didn't even like him, much less need him as a brother. After the fire at the church, when Pony was reunited with Darry, Pony finally saw Darry for what he really is: a caring brother who loves him, has sacrificed a great deal for him, and has done his best to parent him. Since the killing of Bob, the flight from the law, and other events, Pony has developed greater maturity and a broader perspective. He is now less self-absorbed, and he is upset when he thinks that he may have hurt Darry's feelings by not calling for him.
The issue of who is an insider and who is an outsider is another important theme. How readers and the novel's characters interpret Dally's death is totally dependent on perspective. For example, Ponyboy says, "Two friends of mine had died that night; one a hero, the other a hoodlum." Readers are forced to examine the question, who is the hero and who is the hoodlum?
