Character Analysis: An Old Fiend
Zuzanna Fudala
Com 102- Essay 2
3/27/18
“An Old Fiend”
The nature of living things may not always be detectable; regarding human nature, that can be especially true since we are such complex creatures. Humans are capable of so many things, heinous things for example, and therefore we can be some of the most dangerous creatures. In the story “Where are you going, where have you been?” by Joyce Carol Oates, we are introduced to the characters Arnold Friend: a tall pale man that walks with a sort of limp, as if his shoes would be stuffed. Arnold at first comes off as a suave person but soon turns cryptic and threatening when Connie becomes hesitant to his requests. The underlying themes of Oates’s story are: decisions that we make ultimately
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Schmid’s charisma was an advantage to him as he was able to brag about his murders with the promise from his younger peers that they would be silent about them, to which Moser also addresses in his article (601). Oates’s character Arnold Friend had a similar type of charisma like what Schmidt had with his peers. Arnold was still able to draw out Connie and manipulate her like how Schmidt was able to attract and manipulate his younger peers. In a sense, I think that this is how Oates conveys the theme that arrogance blinds one of ignorance; Schmidt was able to make his teenager peers arrogant in the sense that they thought he was this idol to worship, thus they were blinded by a false skin and were ignorance of what Schmidt was capable as. In the case of Arnold and Connie however, Connie was already arrogant but not arrogant to/about Arnold, but about herself. Her own arrogance came with self-absorption, and a false idea of maturity that made her ignorant to what she really was- a child who didn’t know any better. This was how Arnold was able to manipulate her; he knew what she was like and used that to his advantage. As stated by D.F. Hurley in his analysis of Coulthard, “Charles Schmid not only caused Arnold Friend to exist in a …show more content…
These themes are the main ones because they are exhibited through Connie, who had made naive decisions and was blinded by her own arrogance. This in turn placed her in a position she was unable to handle: figuring out how to deal with Arnold Friend, but ultimately failing and having been thrusted in a situation where she was unable to think clearly or fight
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Where Are You Going Where Have You Been Comparison
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Carol Oates's Story 'Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?'
359 Words | 2 PagesArnold Friend, the antagonist in Joyce Carol Oates’s story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” represents the devil who arrives to bring Connie to the underworld. For example, his unusual appearance implies that he is an inhuman being, unlike what he wants to lead on. As he struggles to walk from his car to the front door, Connie notes that “his whole face was a mask... tanned down to his throat...as if he had..makeup on..but had forgotten about his throat”(5). Arnold Friend covers his demonic features in order to pass as a teenager with the intention of deceiving Connie into leaving with him.
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.
Theme Of Allegory In Where Are You Going Where Have You Been
1001 Words | 5 PagesBecause the lack of family support and guidance, Connie lies to her parents of her whereabouts, and she sneaks away to local hangouts. While being out, she unfortunately catches the eye of Arnold Friend. This man will erase Connie’s innosense and expose her to how cruel the world can actually be. Many literary
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
Where Are You Going Where Have You Been Arnold Friend Comparison
1190 Words | 5 PagesIn Joyce Carol Oates fictional short story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” the majority of the story lies beneath the surface. More specifically than just the story, you realize that there is more to the character Arnold Friend than what may appear. The author has always remained silent and ambiguous about the real meaning of Arnold Friend’s true nature and she leaves room for the readers to make their own interpretation of him. Readers can analyze Arnold Friend and see him as the devil, he could just be the personification of popular music imagined by Connie in a dream, but Arnold Friend could also be the result of drug use.
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.
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Character Analysis Of Connie In 'Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been'
984 Words | 4 PagesInstead of realizing the danger that she was in, Connie was focused on what Arnold Friend was wearing and how attractive he was. Connie’s obsession with finding her own sexuality overpowered her gut feeling of danger. In an analysis of “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been”, Barbara Wiedemann discusses how the antagonist Arnold Friend is based upon serial killer Charles Schmid, who murdered several young girls during the 1960s. In the analysis, Wiedemann
They All Just Went Away Summary
1368 Words | 6 PagesOates reminisces back to when she was a child wandering the fields and abandoned buildings behind her home. As she explores these abandoned structures, she takes notice of the “remnants of a lost household” within this “absolute emptiness of a house whose
Where Are You Going Where Have You Been Literary Analysis
694 Words | 3 PagesIn Joyce Carol Oates’s short story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been” the main protagonist finds herself in a very hostile situation. With an all most fateful encounter with a man known as Arnold Friend. Forcing her to choose whether to run off with him or taking her by force. This man known as Arnold Friend to the reader comes off as almost a demon. A person who uses many temptations, word play, and threats to take advantage of the young protagonist Connie.
An Analysis Of Joyce Carol Oates 'Where Are You Going Where Have You Been?'
596 Words | 3 PagesIn Joyce Carol Oates’ short story “Where Are You Going? Where Have You Been?” the id, ego, and superego are represented by different characters; the ego portrayed by Connie, June being the superego, and Arthur and Ellie represent the id. The author depicts June as being “plain and chunky and steady” and always praised by their mother (Oates 1). She saved money, helped clean the house and cooked, while “Connie couldn't do a thing” (1).
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