Stay Gold Ponyboy

How can you not love characters with the names Sodapop and Ponyboy? Hinton uses names as a very obvious, yet effective characterization tool. Soda and Pony have different names to emphasis the obvious thing, that they are different from the other characters in the novel. They are the sensitive, kind greasers, even different from their brother whose name pales in comparison to theirs. I actually wonder how Darry feels about having such a  boring name in comparison, poor guy. Of course we see that with a boring name comes boring, adult responsibilities, like working two jobs, making breakfast, and keeping your family together.

However, Sodapop and Ponyboy’s names tell us more about them than just how different they are. Their names truly speak to their innocence and youth, which stands in stark contrast to the realities they are forced into. Also, is there some kind of connection between Soda’s love for horses and his deep affection for his kid brother, Pony?