In S.E. Hinton’s novel, Dally Winston’s desire to die stems from a complex combination of grief and hopelessness following the deaths of his friends, particularly Johnny Cade. Dally, who had always portrayed a tough exterior and been involved in delinquent behavior, was deeply affected by Johnny’s passing. He felt a sense of disconnection from the world around him and believed that he couldn’t bear to live without Johnny, who represented the one person he truly cared about.
Moreover, Dally had a long history of facing harsh realities and disappointments in his life, including a troubled upbringing and constant struggles on the streets. In the moments leading up to his death, Dally essentially wanted to escape the pain of losing his closest friend and the harshness of life that he had always faced. This act was not just a result of desperation but also a form of rebellion against a world that had constantly let him down.
So, when Dally brandished a gun in the final scene, it was a method of seeking relief from suffering, as he knew the police would perceive his actions as a threat, leading to his inevitable demise. His death symbolizes the tragic impact of violence and loss within the tumultuous landscape of his life, illuminating the larger themes of grief and the struggle for identity that permeate the novel.