What symbols of adulthood are in “the outsiders” and how do they affect the reader?

Some symbols of adulthood that are represented in “The Outsiders” are how the kids had to live in their own and Darry has to raise his brothers on his own at a young age. Also, Ponyboy and Johnny showed heroic adult-like actions when they both saved the children from the burning church.

You only say that cause i’m not around, not around