Denotation is my best answer, sorry if its wrong.
The answer is D because this is Expository, meaning to entertain.
Point of view affects a piece of literature,because it makes the story in someones eyes.
Two-bit does not need Pony to be dragged into the life of brutality. Ponyboy was unique and rest of the young men knew it, they value him. Two-bit and Jonny both have same assessment. After Jonny's demise, two-bit and others may expect that Ponyboy may get dragged into the vengeance cycle and may get himself slaughtered with a specific end goal to deliver retribution of Jonny's passing.