Assignment #4: Where are you going, Where have you been?

Task ONE:
The setting in the second half of the story is important because Connie is home alone. She isn't out with her friends and has no one to turn to. The most important thing was that she was alone and the man, Arnold Friend, still knew where she was and everything about her. Connie's character draws the reader in because she is the typical, stereotype for today's teenager. She draws the reader in because many people can find something that they can relate themselves to. I am sure that everyone can remember a time where they tricked their parents and lied to them about where they were going, or tried to act more mature to impress others. What drives me crazy about her actions in this story is the fact that she thinks that she won't get caught and there will never be any consequences for her actions. Joyce Carol Oates is showing us different themes throughout the novel. She shows the themes of rebellion, maturing, facing consequences, dealing with difficult issues/problems and acting out. In my opinion, in the end, Connie is kidnapped because right before the story cuts off, she talks about the land and how she is about to go to it. The male antagonist, Arnold Friend, represents anything and everything that ruins and spoils the innocence of a child. He represents all the bad in the world, murderers, rapists, kidnappers, serial killers, stalkers...etc. As a child, he was probably mistreated in the same way, or ignored by his parents and was made to feel like nothing, and so he wanted to act out and that's how he became so deranged.

Task TWO:

1. A vivid description of the setting
2. Characters that aren't thoroughly described- you learn about them through actions as the story develops
3. FAST development of the storyline
4. Fiction!!
5. Setting is something adaptable- a house, or school, or work setting.
6. Lots of secondary characters that add to the story- they have to have interesting personalities
7. HAS to be an antagonist!! a murderer or a stalker
8. A good short story should have an element of mystery, within the storyline.
9. MUST BE AN ENDING!!! a clear, ending is necessary to close the story
10. Family/friend/ or love issues with the main character.