Where are you going, where have you been by Joyce Carol Oates

A detailed Summary of Where are you going, where have you been by Joyce Carol Oates


The persona of a psychopath appears to be much like any human. In many cases, one would not be able to "pick them out of a crowd". Their minds, however, differ greatly from most. A psychopath is extremely smart and methodical in thinking and most often is very meticulous in the way in which he/she acts. While many people are not thinking beyond the norm, a psychopath thinks about every breath, step, and word a person lets out into the open. In the short story "Where are you going, Where have you been?" by Joyce Carol Oates, the depiction of a psychopath is quite apparent. His mannerism, thoughts and tactic all create the perfect portrayal of a truly deranged character.

Arnold Friend follows Connie from the beginning of the story. When Connie finally notices his presence, "he [stares] at her and then his lips widened...and there he was still watching her" (593), revealing his true desires and aspirations. Arnold not only wants to kill Connie, but to see and understand every breath she takes. Although unaware of his closeness, it becomes quite apparent that Arnold Friend is stalking Connie when he states, "I Know my Connie" (597). In Arnold's mind, Connie is a component of his game that he must figure out. Bringing fe


The mind of a psychopath vastly differs from any sane human. With the help of a great deal of self-justification, mentally deranged humans come to believe their thoughts and actions are normal and acceptable. A psychopath may seem normal and indistinguishable at first glance, but when observing his/her mannerisms, thoughts, and actions, it becomes quite clear that the person is far from normal. Joyce Carol Oates uses Arnold Friend to describe the sentiments, conceptions, and characteristics of a psychopath. With each description of Arnold, the reader is brought deeper into his demented intellect. Arnold Friend is only a figment of a story, as well as a part of our society in which most people would never recognize or comprehend.

Arnold Friend's mannerism augments his deranged intellect. When confronting Connie, his odd behavior repeatedly reveals his abnormal feelings and emotions. Speaking to Connie "in a fast bright monotone" (595), he clashes excitement and boredom, an unusual mixture of emotions. The way in which Arnold acts in front of Connie is far from normal. As he begins to get exasperated with Connie's refusal to go for a ride, Arnold begins to "[laugh] as if she had said something fun

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Approximate Word count = 817
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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