Answers to Questions on "Where Are You Going...."

Group 1.
The title "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" can be interpreted as expressing the conflict, the main character, Connie has to endure when targeted by Arnold Friend. The author illustrates Connie as the main character in that Connie's purity, will, soul are over-taken by Friend. She has to endure change. I believe this reflects the title of the story. The question contains two parts signifying that great change has taken place, not only physically, but also emotionally and mentally. "You" refers to the characters sense of safety, her will, her soul, her purity.

Group 2.
Arnold Friend , outsider who seems to sexually targets women. He is depicted as a middle-aged man, clean and sleek, and controlling through emotion. I think the last name "Friend" contributes irony, in that he is creepy and definitely not "A. Friend." His car, clothing, language all depict and image of an impersonator of a young hip male, yet an outsider; almost making the reader of the story curious of where he is from and his intentions. Connie begins to question the identity of A. Friend when she studies details such as clothing, language, and "...the way he tapped one fist against the other in homage to the perpetual music behind him." To Connie examining these details she concludes his age must be much older.

Group 3.
The significance of the numbers 33 19 17 on A. Friend's car might symbolize sex. When all three numbers are added together they equal 69. Connie's family criticize Connie for her beauty. I don't think that they fully understand how constant criticizing has impacted her emotions in a negative way. There roles in the story are brief only to add to Connie's conflict. At the end of the story Arnold Friend takes Connie to a field to hold her. This is where the story ends, however, I think that Connie was raped and then returned to her home later mentally distraught.

Group 4.
In the story "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" the author illustrates that the stories setting was place in a small town. Small town generally have the reputation of low crime and a sense of hospitality. Most people know just about everyone else. This setting adds to the story dramatically. This shows that A. Friend could have been an outsider and that his actions might not ever be revealed.