In The Outsiders, why is it significant that Paul Holden is the Soc who steps forward to accept Darry's challenge?

Paul Holden was Darry’s friend and football teammate back when they were in high school. It is significant that Paul Holden steps forward for Darry’s challenge because he not only shares a past with Darry, he is also the only Soc capable of going toe to toe with him. One can tell that Darry is (generally) feared by the Socs because he is well-built, athletic, and a good fighter.

The event also holds an important...

Paul Holden was Darry’s friend and football teammate back when they were in high school. It is significant that Paul Holden steps forward for Darry’s challenge because he not only shares a past with Darry, he is also the only Soc capable of going toe to toe with him. One can tell that Darry is (generally) feared by the Socs because he is well-built, athletic, and a good fighter.

The event also holds an important place in the story because it demonstrates the situation between the Socs and the Greasers. Before Darry was orphaned and forced to take responsibility for his siblings, he went to school and had a bright future ahead of him. However, his ambitions and aspirations are cut short by the accident that robbed him of his parents and his childhood.  On the other hand, Holden has not been around. He probably went to college and moved on with his life. Thus, their meeting only affirms the clear distinction between the two rival factions, in which one group is always at a loss.