The world of a teenager in a literary work is the meaning of the transition to adulthood facing the aggression of an old demon. The transition to adulthood is a significant step in the lives of adolescents. In Joyce Carol Oates' work “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been,” the story has a descriptive explanation. The meaning of the story can be examined by the opinion of the readers. The teenager's efforts to make his boyfriends sexually attractive and seductive have been noticed by Arnold Friend, a bizarre and confused character, who hunts the teenager. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay According to Oates, the story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been” is based on a real-life incident. The two main characters in the story are Connie, a 15-year-old teenager, and Arnold Friend, an older allegorical character. Connie, as a teenager, is oppressed by her beauty and the desire to be attractive without realizing the danger of her actions and appearance. He often goes out with his friends to a local mall and a drive-in restaurant. Connie lacks parental guidance as she transitions into adolescence and independence. Readers may observe that there is a disconnect in the relationship between Connie and her parents. Connie's mother never had any problems with her older daughter going places; therefore, "when Connie wanted to do it, her mother had no objections." On the other hand, his father was often absent and “didn't bother to talk to them much.” Even though they were irritated by his manners, they never questioned his actions. Connie's actions are noticed by Arnold Friend, who quickly tells her "I'll get you, baby." Although Arnold appears with an unidentified background to readers of the story, he is presented with a strange and ambiguous character. He chases Connie to her house when she is alone with "an open grinder, painted bright gold" and her friend Ellie. His interaction with Connie is strange, full of secret codes and special signs. The signs and numbers written on the car and the x sign it traces in the air leave readers wondering what they represent. He initially attempts to charm Connie, but it becomes apparent to readers that he is not who he pretends to be when Connie refuses to go with him. He is an older guy with scruffy black hair that looks like a wig, a masculine figure, and he puts on boots to appear taller. It seems that Arnold is attracted to younger girls; therefore, try to present yourself as a younger guy. He manipulates Connie by knowing everything about her, her weaknesses, her appearance and her family. He traps her in a conversation he can take control of and eventually manages to convince her to come with him. The dominant idea of ​​the story is the evolution between youth and adulthood. In “Where Are You” when Arnold approaches Connie and says “I'm your lover. You don't know what it is, but you will," could represent the quest he has undertaken as he pursues maturity. Additionally, by analyzing his name, readers may be able to understand why he added the last name Amico. By removing the r in Arnold Friend, you will write an old demon who represents a very evil or cruel person In the story Arnold's mannerisms represent a sociopath is influenced by the brutal outcome of an innocent teenager's exploration of independence. Keep in mind: This is just an example. Get a custom paper now from our expert writers. Get a custom essay To summarize, Joyce Carol Oates as the author completes Connie's quest for independence and age..