Character Analysis Of Arnold Friend In 'Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?'

The Embodiment of Satan Satan, as we know, is deceitful, manipulative, and immoral. He is not limited to any physical form or image. Arnold Friend, in "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" written by Joyce Oates, is seen as the devil himself. Connie, who is a self-obsessed fifteen-year-old girl, is submitted to this male who declares he is her "lover" (Oates 207). While Connie’s parents and sister were away at a barbecue, Arnold and his friend decided it was the perfect time to prey on Connie. However, Arnold came from “nowhere before that and belonged nowhere” (Oates 206). He was a mystery that Connie never got the chance to solve. Arnold is the tempter while Connie is tempted. His commands, actions, and distorted appearance all sway

One minute he praises Connie for listening to him so well, the next minute he speaks with intention. He talks in a “slightly mocking, kidding, but serious and a little melancholy” way (Oates 205). Arnold sweet-talks her whilst using intimidation. He seems to have experience in flattering young women. If Arnold can twist Connie's thoughts a little bit, he can slither his way through her sanity and sink his teeth in for the kill. When an individual's mind is weak, the devil can easily slip in in order to act through his or her actions and attitude. Coonie is aware of this, yes, but she lets herself believe that her body and heart “was nothing” (Oates 210). This fiend of a man is able to enchant Connie to do what he wills. Now, some could argue that Arnold knew the right words to convey. Others could dispute that Arnold was a crazy stalker. However, Arnold is so much more than a stalker and smooth talker. Connie had withstood his defiling acts, but Arnold shattered that spirit. He saw through Connie as if she was see-through. Pet names and charming yet sinful words were practically sung into Connie's ears to seduce her out of her house. Connie let herself be swayed, not by will but by seduction and manipulation. This is what Satan does best. Satan sings your sins like a desperate church choir longing for their voices to be heard by the

In the beginning, he planned on visiting Connie when he knew that she was going to be alone. He introduces himself as Arnold Friend stating to Connie that he will become “your friend” (Oates 203). Throughout the conversation, Arnold would strategically announce that he knew where her parents and sister were and “how long they’re going to be gone” (Oates 204). However, he will intertwine threats such as “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”, placing Connie in a very stressful situation (Oates 208). Connie can not fully understand what is happening because Arnold does not give her time to think. He may think that if Connie does not believe him, he will lose her. So he pushes and pushes Connie to the point of her breaking and giving in to his devious nature. Arnold drives her to submission similar to how Satan drives people to