The Outsiders

by S. E. Hinton

The Outsiders: Flashbacks 1 key example

Chapter 2
Explanation and Analysis—Johnny's Beating:

At the drive-in, when Two-Bit sneaks up on Johnny and Ponyboy like a Soc, Johnny recoils in fear. When Cherry asks about Johnny's reaction, Ponyboy explains with a flashback:

It was almost four months ago. […] I think we all heard the low moan and saw the dark motionless hump on the other side of the lot at the same time. Soda reached him first. Johnny was lying face down on the ground. Soda turned him over gently, and I nearly got sick. Someone had beaten him badly.