Darrel Curtis is one of three sons who took responsibility for raising younger brothers after the death of their parents. He appreciates homeliness and comfort, making a lot of efforts to provide relatives with everything they need. Neighbors see in him the similarity with his father because he is the same broad-shouldered, tall guy with brown hair. The only difference is the multi-colored eyes.
Because of his worries, Darrel looks older than his years. He does not trust others, demonstrating deliberate coldness and estrangement. The hero educates his brothers strictly, sometimes showing harshness on key issues. In this way, he tries to protect them from the hostility and lies of the local community.
Darrel had to grow up faster because circumstances demanded it. He is used to doing without the assistance of others and relies only on himself. Having missed a chance to go to college, the guy places high expectations on Ponyboy, investing all available resources from him.
His temper is characterized by loyalty to the principles and anger towards the world. It is not surprising, because while his parents were alive, Darrell was a local school celebrity and headed the football team. He was predicted a great career and scholarship, but the plans have changed dramatically.
Due to his physical endurance, Darry is called Superman, which increases his authority in the gang. When Steve describes him as a muscular brainless guy, the hero beats him unconscious, because he always wanted to go to university. Darrell is trying to find a common language with Ponyboy, but this is not always possible.
The controversy is explained by the fact that the principal sees his potential and seeks to uncover it. Because of the desire to show independence, Ponyboy can miss the chance granted to him by fate. Darrel does not know how to explain a potential danger as he has no parental experience. The carelessness of the younger brother upsets him because he feels his inability to save a relative.
Darrel "Darry" Curtis Quotes
That was his silent fear then—of losing another person he loved. I remembered how close he and Dad had been, and I wondered how I could ever have thought him hard and unfeeling. I listened to his heart pounding through his T-shirt and knew everything was going to be okay now. I had taken the long way around, but I was finally home. To stay.
He told me he loved her, but I guess she didn't love him like he thought she did, because it wasn't him." (12.39)
Darrel "Darry" Curtis in the Essays
Author: Wilma Daniels