Although Arnold Friend appears to be this violent misogynist who threatens Connie, he is actually just the outcome of misguided principles. After thorough analyzation, the reader can infer Connie is more so a victim of her culture and expectations inflicted by society. Connie is neglected, pressured, and oppressed.
Connie 's circumstance has left her with a reckless judgment as well as a false sense of security. At home, her self expression is minimized. Connie 's mother is constantly criticizing her actions (Oates 1) and her father is uninvolved (Oates 1) as it is explained in "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?", which has encouraged her to grow more detached from her family. Connie 's situation at home has pushed her to seek attention elsewhere; with boys (Oates 1-2). As she continues in this misguided direction, she also has no knowledge of how to detect a hazardous environment. Coming from an average middle class home and being oblivious dangerous situations, she has no comprehension that anything hostile could ever happen to her. Therefore, her sheltered life has …show more content…
is the victim not so much of Arnold friend as of her culture and its expectations for young women" (Martin, par. 6). One of Martin 's arguments is that because society values violence, Connie is left in a defenseless position. "The violence that both Arnold Friend and Connie anticipate – and that friend threatens her with (violence to both herself and her family, as well as a neighbor) - again represent Oates clear prescience about her culture" (Martin, par. 8). Martin further explains that because violence is dignified in her culture, Connie never doubts any of Arnold Friends threats and obeys him blindly (Martin, par. 8). Considering this argument, Arnold Friend instead is the effect of society 's neglect towards Connie. Society has pressured her, singled her out, and left her
Connie 's circumstance has left her with a reckless judgment as well as a false sense of security. At home, her self expression is minimized. Connie 's mother is constantly criticizing her actions (Oates 1) and her father is uninvolved (Oates 1) as it is explained in "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?", which has encouraged her to grow more detached from her family. Connie 's situation at home has pushed her to seek attention elsewhere; with boys (Oates 1-2). As she continues in this misguided direction, she also has no knowledge of how to detect a hazardous environment. Coming from an average middle class home and being oblivious dangerous situations, she has no comprehension that anything hostile could ever happen to her. Therefore, her sheltered life has …show more content…
is the victim not so much of Arnold friend as of her culture and its expectations for young women" (Martin, par. 6). One of Martin 's arguments is that because society values violence, Connie is left in a defenseless position. "The violence that both Arnold Friend and Connie anticipate – and that friend threatens her with (violence to both herself and her family, as well as a neighbor) - again represent Oates clear prescience about her culture" (Martin, par. 8). Martin further explains that because violence is dignified in her culture, Connie never doubts any of Arnold Friends threats and obeys him blindly (Martin, par. 8). Considering this argument, Arnold Friend instead is the effect of society 's neglect towards Connie. Society has pressured her, singled her out, and left her