"Where are you going. Where have you been?'' by Joyce Carol Oates is a story that is built on fantasy versus reality. The author uses characters such as Connie and Arnold Friend to advance her plot and develop her theme. Connie struggles to achieve maturity and independence despite her efforts being met with the brutal outcome. Connie encounter with Arnold Friend is not so appealing because the strange and ambiguous character of Arnold concludes her search for independence on a dark and ominous note (Oates 5). The paper will use the story to provide evidence that Arnold Friend is not an appropriate date for a girl who is searching for independence and maturity. It is evident that Arnold Friend character signifies the confusions, fears, and doubt that accompany adolescents especially ladies seeking for independence.
First, Arnold friend speech is insulting. He uses abusive language when referring to Connie’s sister. ‘The poor sad bitch’ (Oates 6). It is insulting to refer to somebody as a bitch. Arnold represents teenagers who do not accord any respect to people and do not mind using abusive words. A person of Arnold's character is not worth taking a friend for a date because they will not respect them. Arnold represents the confusion and doubts many teenagers have to encounter while searching for maturity and independence.
Moreover, Arnold Friend behavior is displeasing and uncouth. He addresses Connie using sexual words despite being strangers to each other. ‘Yes, I am your lover’ (Oates 6). Arnold does not introduce himself fully to Connie when they meet. Instead, he burdens her by calling her names such as honey and sweetheart even though Connie does not seem to know him well. It is gentleman enough and being wise to introduce and familiarize yourself with people you love or like them. Arnold character, in this case, presents him as unseasoned and one who does not deserve a decent girl for a date. Arnold represents the many teenagers who do not get it right during their first date because of their displeasing behavior that sends a negative signal to their partner.
Furthermore, Arnold presentation is not appealing. He is not ready to answer questions Connie poses. For example, he is asked of his age, and he seems annoyed to the question. ‘That's a crazy thing to ask. Cantcha see I'm your own age?' (Oates 5). He considers the question as crazy. He goes ahead top lie of his age by saying that he is eighteen years old. According to Connie, he appeared to be in his thirties. The way he stood leaning to his car and his old boots were not appealing to Connie. Therefore, Arnold is not the perfect date for a girl who is searching for independence and maturity.
Besides, Arnold treatment for others in the story full of contempt and mockery. For instance, he addresses his friend Eddie as miserable. ‘You miserable creepy dope’ (Oates 9). Also, he becomes agitated when Connie threatens to call the police. ‘Connie don’t fool around with me, I mean, I mean, don’t fool around with me’ (Oates 5). His contempt and mockery towards other people display him as disrespectful and full of ridicule. Arnold is not the kind of date decent ladies can wish to hang out with.
Lastly, Arnold does not create an excellent image to his friend Connie. He presents himself as violent and brutal. When Connie threatens to lock the kitchen door and call the police, Arnold responds sarcastically and says, ‘it's just nothing, anybody can break through the screen door and glass' (Oates 7). A violent man is to be avoided by ladies who want to achieve independence and transform into adulthood. Decent ladies should never date brutal men or people who are ready to destroy property.
Arnold Friend can be regarded as a man who should be avoided by ladies who want to date. Arnold disgusting behavior, insulting and mockery speech, and his disrespectful way of treating others provide evidence that he is not a decent man. Therefore, I would not recommend my friend to date him. From his encounter with Connie, he should be avoided rather than dated.
Works Cited
Oates, Joyce Carol. ''Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been". 1966.
