Greasers:
* They were defined by their social status and appearance: They were working-class kids, often seen as rebellious and troublemakers. They were ostracized by the wealthier "Socs."
* Both Johny and Dallas embody this identity: They were members of the gang, dressed in their signature greaser attire, and often engaged in activities associated with their social group.
Heroes:
* They act bravely and selflessly in the face of danger: Johny defends Ponyboy from the Socs, risking his life to save his friend. Dallas risks his own life to help Johny escape the police and then ultimately dies in a heroic act of defiance.
* Their actions are motivated by loyalty and compassion: Their actions are driven by love and loyalty to their friends, and they ultimately sacrifice themselves to protect those they care about.
The grey area:
* The novel challenges the dichotomy between good and bad: It explores the complex motivations and circumstances that lead both the Greasers and Socs to engage in violence and delinquency.
* The reader is left to interpret their actions: While they act heroically, their backgrounds and actions still place them within the "greaser" context.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, it's up to you to decide whether Johny and Dallas are solely "greasers" or if their heroic actions elevate them beyond that label. They are tragic figures, caught in a cycle of violence and prejudice, who ultimately choose to act with courage and compassion. They may not be traditional heroes, but their actions resonate with the themes of loyalty, friendship, and self-sacrifice, making them deeply compelling characters.