Arnold Friend Identity

Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?”, was written by Joyce Carol Oates in 1970. Oates was fascinated with human behavior and the way people create identity. (Oates, 204) This story indicates the battle with the evils of our society as well as how it can occur anytime, anywhere. Connie’s struggle with her own identity leaves her vulnerable in the face of manipulation.
Although vague about the setting, it is inferred that this story takes place in Suburban America in the 1960’s. Oates describes the main character and her friends as taking trips to the mall as well as to the drive-in burger joint, which is where many young kids enjoyed hanging out during this time period. Connie is the main character, Oates describes her in a way that makes the reader visualize her as being youthful and naïve. “Everything about her had two sides to it, one for home and one for anywhere else that was not home…” (Oates, 206) Connie seems to have an adolescent mindset, but in the public eye she makes an effort to appear older and more composed. Connie lacks attention in her home life and seeks out attention elsewhere, as she searches for independence. The other main character is Arnold Friend, who is anything but …show more content…
Connie chooses to stay home to “wash her hair”, but she falls asleep afterwards. She wakes up to a familiar car in the driveway and recognizes it as belonging to the mysterious man from the night before. She goes to the screen door and begins conversing with Arnold, while his side-kick Ellie sits in the car. Arnold asks Connie to get in the car to go for a “ride”, but she is not convinced. “Arnold Friend also attempts to seduce Connie by appealing to her in a lingo that she knows and loves: radio talk. Connie notes that the more Arnold Friend talks to her, the more he sounds like he is either reciting lyrics from pop hits or imitating a radio personality, such as the then popular Bobby King.” (UC