Where are you going, Where have you been?

"Promise was not to come in unless you touch that phone , and I 'll keep that promise

The story `Where are you going and where have you been ' by Joyce Carol Oates depicts how an innocent girl surrenders herself to the pressure of a situation and becomes a victim to Arnold Friend a lover to her . The character of Arnold Friend stands for unscrupulous passion which leads to violence when it is threatened . The incident that takes place at her home in the absence of her parents and other family members turns her

life man who seems to be a potential villain . His statement "Promise was not to come in unless you touch that phone , and I 'll keep that promise holds the key for his character and to the entire story . Arnold is not what he appears to be and his promises are not what they seem to be

Arnold Friend is clever in designing his plot to attract the girl he wants to have . He enters the place in an open jalopy painted in gold color with some slogans and signs on it . It looks trendy creating strong images about the man in the driver 's seat . He finds a suitable time when Connie will be left alone . He plans his visit in such a way that there will be no other person at home except the girl , Connie he wants to take with him . He is...