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Arnold Friend Symbolism

Decent Essays

The first perception of someone can sometimes be the complete opposite of who he really is. People fantasize or imagine perception of others they believe to be. In the short story “Where Are You, Where Have You Been”, Joy Oates mixes what is real and fantasy and it conflicts with the help of symbols. Symbols point out that Arnold Friend is anything but dangerous and a predator to Connie’s innocence and vulnerability. Connie realizes that her oblivion came to an abrupt end. Connie is illustrated as a basic carefree 15 year old who is trying to find herself. Connie’s constantly “craning her neck to glance in the mirrors” to check if her appearance is acceptable (157). She would also “check other people’s faces to make sure her own was right” …show more content…

Arnold knows that he can prey on the innocents of this girl. Friend use the girl’s needs against her to get what he wants, which is her. At first glance Connie notices Friend at the diner and uses her assets to keep his attention while out with another boy. Friends sees her and uses the sinister phrase “Gonna get you, Baby” as a warning that she choose to disregard (159). The hair on Arnold’s head is “shaggy, shabby black hair that looked crazy as a wig” (161). His hair contrasted Connie’s, which symbolized her innocence and virtue. His hair is described as being fake, a wig. This shows that Arnold is trying to cover up and project this persona. Arnold’s sunglasses is another symbol. The mirror reflection off the glasses disguises what he was trying to hide …show more content…

He is always looking for his next meal. When he initially sees Connie, he perceives the way she acts as an invitation to claim her. Arnold, then, arrives at her house days later to claim his prize. When he first pulls up to Connie’s home, she is initially excited because a boy was coming over. Her first instinct to check on her appearance. Connie then notices that it is not the person she was hoping to see. Arnold comes rolling up with in “an open jalopy, painted bright gold that caught the sunlight opaquely” (161). On the side had the out dated phrase “MAN THE FLYING SAUCERS” (164). This car is a symbol. It’s an extension of Arnold: dangerous and not quite in touch with reality. The car is what clued Connie into see that something may be seriously wrong with Arnold. The phrase that was painted on car was used the year before it went out of style. That alarms Connie more that Arnold is not who he says he is. Arnold’s appearance alerts Connie that he is not to be trusted. Arnold wears shoes that looks like it too big for his feet to make him appear taller. Friend claims to be the same age as Connie, but he is not very convincing. The whole encounter revolves around Connie’s home. The house itself is a symbol. Connie starts out on the porch and the quickly retreats to the door of her home when Friend becomes progressively antagonistic. The home represents the only world she has ever known, one with friends, family, and traditions. The home,

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