How does Dally react to Johnny's death, and what does he do next?

• A. He becomes despondent and robs a store, and is killed by the police.
• B. He becomes cheerful and moves away.
• C. He writes a letter to his family.
• D. He starts a charity drive.

Answer: (A)

Dally’s reaction shows how deeply Johnny’s death shatters his defenses. He’s built a tough, fearless front to hide his pain, but losing Johnny—someone he’s protective of and who softens his hard edges—leaves him feeling empty and furious at the same time. That ache pushes him to lash out impulsively: he robs a store in a reckless attempt to feel something real again, to prove he’s still in control of his fate. The confrontation with the police after this act ends with Dally being killed, underscoring how his despair spirals into self-destructive behavior. This moment fits his pattern: when grief hits, he doesn’t seek help or change course; he acts impulsively and pays the ultimate price. The other options don’t align with his character or the story’s events—he doesn’t brighten up and move away, he doesn’t write letters, and he doesn’t start a charity drive.