Arnold Friend Symbolism
Having good intentions for everyone can be a problem. Good intentions are when a person does not believe anyone is harmful. The story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” was published in January 2004. Joyce Carol Oates has written many other stories. Some other works that she is also known for is We Were The Mulvaney’s, Blonde, and The Falls. Joyce Carol Oates tends to be known for writing about violence. Most of the violence in the story associates with mass murder, rape, suicide, autopsies and automobile accidents. She also uses the symbols of flesh, broken glass, explosions, floods and fire. Oates is very fascinated with dreams. Most of the characters dreams or nightmares often become hazy. When reading an Oates story, she is peering …show more content…
The dilemma is he is obsessed with her. “Each stage of Arnold Friend’s unmasking and Connie’s resulting terror and growing hysteria is carefully delineated” (Barstow). The way Arnold acts towards Connie causes her to fear him. Oates characterizes him as a creepy stalker. “I’ll hold you so tight you won’t think you have to try to get away or pretend anything because you’ll know you can’t” (Oates). This quote is stated by Arnold Friend which gives an idea of his crazy obsession. Arnold Friend wants to take Connie with him and be her lover. She although does not agree and is frightened his actions towards her. The author seems to be exploring the idea of obsession a man has for a young …show more content…
“Numerous commentators have noticed Friend’s resemblance to the devil of Christian mythology” (Johnson). This phrase makes one think of the devil because Arnold Friend’s actions that imitate devil like features. Arnold Friend’s appearance of being fake can also show that he is a devil in disguise. “His whole face was a mask, tanned down to his throat but then running out as if he had plastered makeup on his face but had forgotten about his throat” (Oates). The words in this phrase incorporate several ideas. For example, Arnolds face is mentioned to look like a mask. The makeup on his face could give the idea that Arnold is laying low of something. His name is also significant to the devil, which could sound like ‘a
Connie's Id By Arnold Friend
815 Words | 4 PagesThe latter prevalent throughout Joyce Carol Oates’ short story: “Where Are You Going, Where
Where Are You Going Where Have You Been Arnold Friend Character
890 Words | 4 PagesShe sees the boys who give her attention as subjugations who “dissolve into a single face that was not even a face but an idea” (Oates 675). But soon enough her dreams and music materialize into the shape of Arnold Friend. Arnold Friend is described as a muscular, older, and mysterious character. He seems to be a work of her imagination as he is ultimately an idea she created that would fit into her perfect fantasy world. Connie is defenseless to Arnold Friend’s manipulations mainly because she has no visible identity of her own.
Arnold Friend Character Analysis
1137 Words | 5 PagesHowever, this is countered when Connie notes that “he was much older—thirty, maybe more” (315), a fact that frightens her. What Arnold is to Connie is a challenge of her want to be an adult, and a trail of her ability to deal with adult issue. Such as a man who singles her out sexual reason. Her wish to be an adult is something she seeks while passively avoiding it. Her avoidance is marked by day dreams of puppy love romance, like a typical teenager; yet, her attractive flaunt to be mature is presented as if she seeks to be an
Summary Of Short Story 'Where Are You Going Where Have You Been?'
224 Words | 1 PagesIf you are old enough to remember, you can think back to the memories of when you are a kid and understand the memories as a child are the best memories that you have in your life; yet eventually you mature into ann adult. Like the book, Catcher in the Rye, the short story Where Are You Going Where Have You Been? by Joyce Carol Oats is about Connie, an adolescent girl, wanting to stay in her child-like life and not mature into a adult. Fortunately, Connie has some help coming into the adult world with the manifestation of a person named Arnold Friend and Ellie.
The Theme Of Ignorance In Joyce Carol Oates 'Where Are You Been?'
1399 Words | 6 Pagesshows the readers that that vanity and lack of self-awareness can make some vulnerable and easily fall for the evilness of the world. Because Connie became vulnerable, she was easily persuaded by Arnold, who was portrayed as the Devil figure and the darkness that exists, to leave her the known safety of her home and to embark on the road to the unclear future. Oates’s story teaches the readers to be cautious of their surroundings and of the people that are unfamiliar to them that live in the same society. That is because even if someone appears to look a certain way they might have a mask that hides the true darkness and evilness that is in their body and
Symbolism In 'Where Are You Going Where Have You Been?'
700 Words | 3 PagesIn the coming of age story “Where Are You Going Where Have You Been?” Joyce Carol Oates uses symbolism, conflict, and the third person to foreshadow fifteen-year-old Connie’s unfortunate, yet untimely fate. While one may think that the conflict stems from Connie’s promiscuity, it is clear to see her promiscuity is only a result to a much bigger conflict, her mother’s constant nagging and disapproval, alongside the lack of attention from her father. the author paints a vivid picture of what happens when a fifteen-year-old girl such as Connie goes elsewhere to find to find the love, attention, and approval that she lacks at home. All which is vital for her growth and wellbeing as a person.
Examples Of Allusions In Where Are You Going Where Have You Been
854 Words | 4 PagesHe tries to seduce and persuade her to go with him for a ride similar to how the Devil lured Eve with a shiny and mysterious apple. Oates displays evidence of biblical allusions regarding Arnold Friend’s appearance and persona in the story by depicting his physical characteristics, his supernatural knowledge, and his demeanor as an image of evil. Connie wants to be desired for her sexuality and Arnold possesses this by his tone throughout the story. His appearance comes
Compare And Contrast The Misfit And Arnold Friend
1018 Words | 5 PagesMyles Hypse February 3rd, 2017 English 1B 3:30-4:40pm Two Psychopaths Both of these stories give the reader a good look into the eyes of two psychopaths, who both refuse to take no for an answer. One of them, Arnold Friend although at first appearing friendly, is nothing more than a malicious predator, similar in kind to The Misfit, who greets his victims in a much more sinister way. The two characters, when stood side by side, almost seemed as they become one, yet are polar opposites. When one compares the character Arnold Friend to that of The Misfit, more similarities come forward than differences.
Where Are You Going Where Have You Been Arnold Friend Comparison
1190 Words | 5 PagesIn the story, Connie looked at the phrase “man the flying saucers and she felt like “words meant something to her that she did not yet know” (p.) which if she was on drugs she might not be aware of the fact that what she is seeing is not real, but eventually when she is sober she will understand. The ambiguity of Arnold Friend leaves many unanswered questions for readers. Unless Joyce Carol Oates decides to reveal the real Arnold Friend, readers may never know if he was in fact the devil or just a figment of Connie’s
Arnold Friend Symbolism
1098 Words | 5 PagesSitting around’, he said vaguely”(Oates 6). How could he know who aunt Tillie was? He then brings up the neighbor as he says, “Hey, you know that old woman down the road, the one with chickens and stuff- you know her?” (Oates 6).
Literary Devices In Where Are You Going Where Have You Been
804 Words | 4 PagesIn her short story "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?", Joyce Carol Oates utilizes a variety of literary devices to strengthen the story in its entirety. This short story is essentially about a 16-year-old girl named Connie and the conflict between her desire to be mature and her desire to remain an adolescent. Throughout the story, the audience sees this conflict through her words in addition to through her behavior. The audience is also introduced to Arnold Friend, a rather peculiar man, who essentially kidnaps her. This short story by Joyce Carol Oates functions and is additionally meaningful because of her usage of literary devices.
Analysis Of Where Are You Going Where Have You Been
1203 Words | 5 PagesThroughout the story, there are many instances: the illogical time and settings, the similarity between Arnold and Connie and the unrealistic events show that the meeting between Connie and Arnold Friend is a dream. The dream is also a preparation for Connie before she steps onto the stage of being an adult. Connie’s dream begins when she refuses to go to her aunt’s house for barbecue party. She stays home, and under the warmness of the sun, she begins her day dreaming about love and the boy she has met the night before. In the beginning, the author writes “Connie sat with her eyes closed in the sun…”
Where Are You Going Where Have You Been Arnold Friend Analysis
817 Words | 4 PagesHowever, she may need to look past the fake appearance to see what she should really be scared of. From the way he speaks to the way he dresses, all signs point to him being a demonic being. His wig-like hair, his pale skin, and reflective sunglasses all seem to be nothing but a disguise. His boots do not fit him properly and he has difficulty walking. The skin on his face does not quite resemble the skin on his neck.
Character Analysis Of Connie In 'Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been'
984 Words | 4 Pages“Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been,” is about a teenager named Connie who is trying to come to terms with her transformation from childhood to adulthood. Through this process, Connie attempts to act older than she is an tries to gain the attention of boys. In “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been,” Joyce Oates portrays Connie as obsessed with men to symbolize how one’s obsession and narcissistic attitude can cause danger to seem surreal. In the short story, Carol Oates describes Connie as having two different personalities, one being a narcissistic attitude.
Where Are You Going Where Have You Been Literary Analysis
694 Words | 3 PagesHe knew her name even though she had only quickly glimpsed at him the night prior with no communication from her at all. He knows where her parents are, what they are doing, how long they will be, how they look he even knows who her best friends are. Essentially Arnold Friend is the very essence of nightmare to Connie he is everything she is afraid of. He pressures her in to a situation out of her control. He takes away her pride of rejecting people and forces her to choose her family being hurt of facing her demons and going with him.
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