The story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” is about a girl named Connie who comes across a man who is not very kind to her. The story discusses several interpretations of the event, such as viewing it as a fairy tale or a story about how awful things may happen in our society. However, the story also states that there is no straightforward explanation for the story’s meaning.
The story is like a warning to young people about the awful things that may happen in America. Connie, the main character, is like many young people at the time who were unaware of the threats in the world. Arnold Friend is a nasty character who deceives and harms others. The story warns young girls to be cautious and mindful of the dangers that may arise.
Regarding Rena Korb’s essay, I believe that she is suggesting that some people may perceive Arnold as a representation of either the devil or the potential consequences of giving up our freedom to someone who is harmful. The story also serves as a lesson to beware of caution as well as to be aware of putting our trust in others and the places we travel to.
5 thoughts on “Dasia Alexander Discussion 14”
Dasia, thanks for the good comments. I think the second paragraph expresses the interpretation that you relate to most. And yes, the story does seem somehow very American. There is a lot of reference to the popular culture of the time. Connie is what we call a “mall rat,” the type of girl who might be found in the American suburbs even today. Of course, we can all recognize the typical teenage girl concern with beauty and boys, but her parents haven’t instilled other values in her, it seems. Again, the absent parent seems like a familiar American phenomenon.
I agree more with the interpretation that this story reflects American society. because many of the things that happen in American society are unavoidable. We sometimes have the illusion that they are avoidable just like in the story. Connie mentioned calling the police as if that would scare Arthur away, or believing the house would protect her. Arthur took away all these securities with his words. Some believe that good intentions are all thats needed to cure societies ills, in a perfect world they would be right. Unfortunately, we do not live in a perfect world.
I agree with your interpretation of this story. The reason for the author making this story to inform young people about the dangers of the world. This is only one of many ways strangers can get in contact with mirrors and potentially use them for either sex, or other horrible things. This story can go to show how your choices can go a long away and can either benefit you or hurt you.
Hi Dasia, I agree with your interpretation of the story. In today’s society, parents don’t pay that much attention to their children; therefore, they go elsewhere for it. Sadly, Connie finds herself in this predicament and does not know how to get herself out. We can see that the predator was disguising himself to seem younger, and even though Connie threatened to call the police, he continued to manipulate her. This story shows how these predators lurk in these young teenage girls in society and how a parent not showing and being in their children’s life can cause damage.
I agree with your interpretation of the story that due to the fact that many events in American culture are inevitable. Sometimes we believe they can be avoided, exactly like in the narrative. Connie indicated either thinking the house would protect her or the police. She had hoped that it would scare Arthur away. With his remarks, Arthur removed all of these security measures. In an ideal world, those who think that good intentions alone are sufficient to fix society’s issues would be correct. Unfortunately things have different routes that demonstrate how predators lurk among these young teenage girls in society and how a parent’s lack of involvement and presence can harm their children.