Where Are You Going Where Have You Been Arnold Friend Character Analysis

Several individuals throughout history have shown an abnormal attraction towards psychopaths. Psychopaths commit crucial acts such as rape, murder, or armed robbery. There have been several cases where the psychopaths have been caught and placed in prison but remain to have fans and groupies outside of the bars. What is the reason behind this unusual attractiveness? In “Where are you going, where have you been”, Joyce Carol Oates introduces her readers to Connie, an average 15 year old, who later meets Arnold Friend. Arnold randomly shows up to Connie’s house one day and shows that he knows Connie from the back of his hand without Connie knowing a thing about Arnold. He refuses to leave unless Connie comes with him. Not having the necessary

It can be argued that Connie is attracted to Arnold Friend to the extent that she never received the appropriate guidance from her parents, was always compared to her sister reducing her self esteem, and her parents failed to give her the necessary attention she needed in which Arnold successfully filled all three gaps with his alpha male characteristics which can be supported by Sennen’s connection to alpha

All her life, Connie truly never received the correct parenting which allows her to open up to anyone that shows and gives her affection. Arnold points out to Connie how her parents failed in being there for her, “they’re eating corn and hot dogs cooked to bursting over an outdoor fire, and they don’t know one thing about you and never did”(1152). Connie comes to realization that her parents never took the time to guide her and actually know more of her besides her name. According to Howse, alpha males tend to assist individuals, “The alpha male helps others, he’s generous. He has his purpose, but he knows that life isn't merely about accomplishments, but about leaving a legacy. That legacy is how he made others feel, and how he helps others accomplish their dreams” (3). Arnold explains to Connie how her life would be better if she goes with him rather than stay at home being bored and not having that much value to her parents. This demonstrates how Arnold falls under the characteristics of an alpha male where he seeks in providing Connie with a finer future. This is something that never crossed Connie’s head, since her parents at home never showed the guidance in thinking and preparing for a dreamy future.