“Where are You Going, Where have You Been?”

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Recommended: Good and evil in the history of literature

Satan seems to come in many form’s throughout the history of mankind; though, In Joyce Carol Oates short story “Where are you going, Where have you been?” Arnold Friend looks to be another transient version of Hells keeper. This story was written in 1966 with a horrifying take on a young girl named Connie who was lead out of her home by a monster who ends up kidnapping her while her family was at a barbeque. This Monster in the story is known as, “Arnold Friend”. He appears at Connie’s home while the family was gone with an accomplice named Ellie Oscar. Mr. Friend is a mysterious; but, creepy figure with intent of pure evil. The devil tends to prey on an individual’s weakness. Arnold Friend does this with strong emphasis. Connie, not having a strong male figure in her life with her father being described as, “just coming home and not doing anything” looks to play up to Arnold Friend clever swagger with a deceptive plan (Oates). Friend says, “Ellie and I come out here especially for you” (Oates). Connie Father looked to hardly ever take time out of his day to spend time with his daughter but somehow Arnold knows that her time is being spent at home alone. Ellie and Arnold just avail out of the sunlight at Connie’s house seemingly to fill this void. Worse of all Arnold exudes this confidence that she will come with him no matter what. This also may be from Connie’s vanity that gets her into trouble with a withdrawing demeanor of other’s. Never spending time with her family; However, more excepting of others. Suddenly, Drawing Arnold Friend to take advantage of a missing companionship in Connie’s life. Arnold then looks even more inexplicable. He knows that Connie’s family is in Aunt Tillie’s backyard as well as what they’re d... ... middle of paper ... ... your own age? Or maybe a couple of years older, I’m Eighteen.” He looks to even follow the popular thing, when the popular thing isn’t quite right. Arnold’s character leave’s the audience with questions that never get answer; however, you become more intrigued by what Arnold represents. A kidnapper, rapist, monster, and devil are all wrapped up in his character. He becomes to be very antagonists throughout the story. Looking at Ellie you seem to get the same picture with him being described as having a pale, bluish chest. Collar pointed up as if he’s hiding something below his neck. They look to be cool young guys but when you look deeper into the picture these men hunt young women down. Works Cited Oates, Joyce Carol. "Where are You Going, Where have You Been?" Atwan, McQuade. The Writer's Presence: A Pool Of Reading. Vanguard Press, 1970. 898-911. print.

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