What is Ponyboy’s opinion of Darry?

At the beginning of the novel, Ponyboy does not like the fact that Darry treats him like he is "six instead of fourteen" and believes that Darry is way too hard on him. Pony also mentions that Darry is continually criticizing him, and thinks that Darry acts too old for his age. Ponyboy views his brother with contempt and favors Sodapop over Darry. Pony understands that Darry works a lot of hours but doesn't like his strict and abrasive attitude. After Ponyboy narrowly escapes the church fire, Darry shows up at the hospital, and Ponyboy understands for the first time in his life that Darry truly cares about him. For the remainder of the novel, Pony and Darry bicker about school and Pony's attitude until Sodapop says he's finally had enough of their fighting. Pony and Darry smooth things out at the end of the novel and admit that they love each other. Darry promises to stop yelling at Ponyboy, and Pony promises to be more understanding and appreciative of what Darry does for him. Ponyboy realizes that Darry is if faced with the difficult task of keeping the family together and he is appreciative to have Darry as an older brother.