“The place where you came from aint there anymore, and where you had in mind to go is canceled out” – Arnold Friend (p.325). The quote that is stated above is what clarifies the significance of Oates work in the question of the title; “Where have you been, where are you going?” Oates really brings out the inquiry upon her readers, and makes you think beyond what is obvious in a real world situation from Arnold Friend’s statement. Arnold had a lot of enforcement upon Connie mentally and physically. That is clearly shown when Arnold makes the comments leading up to the specific one quoted above. Speaking from a psychological standpoint Arnold is a man of talent. He knows just the right words to say to lure Connie into doing just as he wants her to do;
“Now, come out through that kitchen to me, honey, and let’s see a smile, try it, you’re a brave, sweet girl and now they’re eating corn and hot dogs cooked to bursting over and outdoor fire, and they don’t know one thing about you and never did and …show more content…
In real life you would think that Connie would call the cops, or somehow have a weapon to protect herself from the old creep. That’s what most readers would think would happen that Connie would be rescued, but instead the complete opposite took place. That’s where Oates caught her readers and pulled them in. Oates made sure to make a valid point in her story “Where have you been, where are you going” with Arnold field as the character. Not always will have someone there to rescue you, and you will not always have a chance to get help. She really allows the readers to question their own personal morality as to what they would do in this specific situation. Arnold friend isn’t just a character he’s a real person, and is around every corner even when you are not
“Now, come out through that kitchen to me, honey, and let’s see a smile, try it, you’re a brave, sweet girl and now they’re eating corn and hot dogs cooked to bursting over and outdoor fire, and they don’t know one thing about you and never did and …show more content…
In real life you would think that Connie would call the cops, or somehow have a weapon to protect herself from the old creep. That’s what most readers would think would happen that Connie would be rescued, but instead the complete opposite took place. That’s where Oates caught her readers and pulled them in. Oates made sure to make a valid point in her story “Where have you been, where are you going” with Arnold field as the character. Not always will have someone there to rescue you, and you will not always have a chance to get help. She really allows the readers to question their own personal morality as to what they would do in this specific situation. Arnold friend isn’t just a character he’s a real person, and is around every corner even when you are not