Arnold Friend

In Joyce Carol Oates’ “Where are You Going, Where Have You Been?”, Arnold Friend, an intimidating stranger, is responsible for the demise of Connie, an adventurous teenage girl. Arnold Friend and Connie never had a conversation or relationship with each other. Arnold Friend still carefully planned out the demise of Connie by threatening her, stalking her and planning out her kidnapping, without having any connection with her. Arnold Friend never had any relationship or communication with Connie. Arnold Friend had an attraction to Connie that motivated him to approach her in her home. When Arnold Friend approached Connie, she did not initially remember him. Joyce Carol Oates stated that, “Now she remembered him even better, back at the restaurant, …show more content…
Despite the fact that Arnold Friend never had a conversation with Connie, Arnold Friend knew everything about Connie and her family. At the time Arnold Friend appeared at Connie’s house, Connie’s family went to her Aunt’s house while Connie stayed home. Arnold Friend knew her family’s plan for the day and what Connie would be doing as well. Arnold Friend stated, “I took a special interest in you, such a pretty girl, and found out all about you like I know your parents and sister are gone somewheres and I know where and how long they’re going to be gone, and I know who you were with last night, and your best girlfriend’s name is Betty. Right?” (Oates 830). Arnold Friend was aware that her family wasn’t home and knew where they were at the time. Connie never told Arnold Friend this information for him to be able to know her family’s plans. Knowing that he had this information collected about Connie’s family, Arnold Friend was able to plan when exactly to confront Connie at her home when no one was there and no one would be around to witness what was going …show more content…
Connie wasn’t convinced to leave her phone until Arnold threatened her in numerous ways. Arnold Friend said, “But if you don’t come out we’re gonna wait till your people come home and then they’re all going to get it” (Oates 834). Mentioning her family facing a consequence due to her not leaving caused Connie to be conflicted on what she should do. Connie can leave with Arnold Friend and her family would be fine. Connie can also stall until her parents come home and her family would pay the consequences. In the end, Connie chose to leave with Arnold Friend for the sake of her