Arnold Friend In Where Are You Going Where Have You Been

Throughout Joyce Carol Oates’s short story, “Where are you going, Where have you been?” (1966), readers follow the story of a 15-year-old girl who is trying to rebel against the social and familial structures of 1960’s American society. Joyce Carol Oates was inspired by the events in Arizona when Charles Schmid, a serial killer, took three women’s lives. She was attempting to share with the American public what those girls might have been thinking when they left with Schmid. In the short story, Connie is described as a self-centered girl who is too preoccupied with her looks, which draws negative attention to herself from her mom and older men. Especially from the predatory figure who was similar to Charles Schmid, Arnold Friend. In her attempts

Arnold is a symbol for the dangers of the outside world: charismatic at first glance, but with dark intentions hidden underneath his appearance. When they first were talking, Connie thought to herself that “his smile assured her that everything was fine” (Oates 69). His initial appearance at her door intrigued her, and she found herself talking with him until she realized that he looked too old, and threatened to come inside if she called for help. Connie’s inexperience with the real world leads her to regard Arnold with little suspicion at first and he tells her what the world expects of women like her: “‘to be sweet and pretty and give in’” (Oates 75). His idea of women is enforced by the patriarchy and leaves Connie with the realization of what adulthood truly entitles, Oates is sharing a cautionary tale for young girls that are looking for independence. Obviously, her decision to go out on dates with boys at night puts her in danger because she refused to conform with social norms or abide by the rules of her