Use of Personal Information
In Joyce Carol Oates’ “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” Arnold Friend can be argued to be an incarnation of the devil or some fairytale villain. The evidence lies in how Arnold manipulates and preys on Connie’s vulnerabilities, using his charm and cunning to lure her into his trap. One clear example is Arnold’s ability to know personal details about Connie and her family, which he should not have known. He uses this knowledge to intimidate and pressure Connie into complying with his demands, creating an atmosphere of fear and helplessness.
Language and Tone
Furthermore, Arnold’s persuasive and manipulative language is reminiscent of a classic villain. He uses a combination of flattery, threats, and promises to coerce Connie into leaving her home with him. He tells her, “I’m your lover, honey,” and “You don’t want them to get hurt,” playing on her emotions and fears to gain control over her. His language is coercive and predatory, reminiscent of the deceptive tactics of a villain in a fairytale.
Appearance and Behavior
Additionally, Arnold’s physical appearance and demeanor add to his portrayal as a sinister figure. With his shaggy black hair, metallic sunglasses, and unsettling grin, he presents himself as alluring and frighteningly. The way he leans against the car and speaks in a “simple lilting voice” that seems rehearsed and insincere creates an aura of malevolence and deceit.
Musical Background
Finally, the music from Arnold’s car radio, with its cryptic lyrics and religious undertones, adds an eerie dimension. Oates cleverly weaves a sense of impending doom through subtle details like the scratched gold paint on Arnold’s convertible, symbolizing decay beneath a superficial facade. Connie’s moment of realization, recognizing the actual threat in Arnold’s eyes, resonates as a chilling climax, emphasizing the timeless theme of the perilous journey from adolescence to awareness in the face of sinister forces.