The evidence strongly suggests that Sandy did not harbor the same depth of love for Sodapop Curtis as he did for her, primarily demonstrated through her actions following her pregnancy.
Sandy's Actions Indicating Lesser Affection
The character behavior and plot in The Outsiders paint a clear picture of Sandy's relative lack of commitment compared to Sodapop's profound devotion. The key pieces of evidence include:
- Departure During Pregnancy: When Sandy became pregnant (the child was not Sodapop's), she chose to leave town and move to Florida to live with her grandparents. This decision to remove herself from the situation and from Sodapop, rather than seeking a solution or maintaining the relationship, signaled a prioritization distinct from their shared future.
- Lack of Communication and Reciprocity: After moving, Sandy did not keep in touch with Sodapop. Despite his fervent love, his desire to marry her, and his willingness to take responsibility for her and the baby—even sending her his class ring as a token of his enduring commitment—Sandy returned the ring and never wrote back. This consistent lack of communication and her refusal to accept his proposal clearly underscore her lack of reciprocal commitment or deep affection.
These actions stand in stark contrast to Sodapop's unwavering loyalty and emotional investment. Sodapop was deeply affected by Sandy's departure and her subsequent silence, indicating that she was a significant source of his sadness and frustration. While Sodapop was prepared to sacrifice his own aspirations and reputation for her, Sandy's decision to move away and cut off contact demonstrates a significant disparity in their emotional investment, highlighting that she did not love him as much as he loved her.
