Character Analysis: 'Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?'

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Joel Rios English 102 Dailey Essay #1 Peek -A- Boo! I See You! Baby! “You are so pretty. With your long dark golden hair, your flawless skin free of any blemish, your clothes-oh my god the way you wear those clothes, the way you walk and talk, you’re perfect for me,” he thought as he watched the teenager walk through the mall. “Oh yes, you’re perfect for me.” The thoughts are chilling because they offer a glimpse into the mind of a predator stalking a potential victim. We see their dynamic play out in Joyce Carol Oates’, “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” The author chronicles the life of fifteen-year-old Connie and the actions of her admirer and stalker, Arnold Friend. Arnold Friend hones in on Connie with intense precision,…show more content…
Like any good soldier, detective or private eye he doesn’t rely on luck, but rather Intel, reconnaissance, and proof of his victims’ likes and dislikes. Arnold stalks her like a lion in the wild, the king of the jungle, observing and lurking, approaching with care and caution, adjusting his timing and making sure all conditions are perfect for the kill. Arnold Friend is no fool. Connie’s first known encounter with Arnold is at the restaurant parking lot as Connie walks through with Eddie. But how did Arnold know she would be near? What additional information did he have or was present to gather? It seems that he has seen her there before and is aware that Connie and her friends frequented the surroundings quite often. “She and that girl and occasionally another girl went out several times a week that way, and the rest of the time Connie spent around the house-it was summer vacation”(1410). It’s evident that Arnold has been stalking Connie for weeks, and possibly months to get her daily routine…show more content…
Arnold approaches the house with extreme confidence likes he’s been there before. He rides in an open jalopy, convertible maybe, without fear of being detected. Arnold is bold enough to bring attention to him self with four short taps of the horn. This is a signal he feels Connie should surely be familiar with, like their very own pre-planned mating call. Arnold uses his car as a tool of introduction and seduction, to intrigue and spark interest, and conversation with Connie. Arnold approaches Connie with certain coolness to his voice and an assurance of self. ‘This here is my name, to begin with,’ he said. Arnold Friend was written in tar like black letters on the side, with a drawing of a round grinning face that reminded Connie of a pumpkin, except it wore sunglasses. ‘I wanta introduce myself, I’m Arnold Friend and that’s my real name and I’m gonna be your friend, honey’ (1412). For a moment Arnold is able to relate to Connie and disarm her a bit. His disguise and methods of flirtation and seduction are working. He now becomes more demanding and aggressive with Connie in hopes to get her acceptance. When Arnold feels Connie is reluctant to accept his advancements he tries other methods to win her

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