Satan seems to appear in many forms throughout human history; however, in Joyce Carol Oates' short story "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" Arnold Friend appears to be another transitional version of the Hells goalie. This story was written in 1966 with a horrifying vision of a young girl named Connie who was taken away from her home by a monster who eventually kidnapped her while her family was at a barbecue. This monster in the story is known as "Arnold Friend". He appears at Connie's home while the family is gone with an accomplice named Ellie Oscar. Mr. Friend is mysterious; but, frightening figure with pure evil intent. The devil tends to prey on an individual's weakness. Arnold Friend does this with strong emphasis. Connie, having no strong male figure in her life, her father being described as "just going home and doing nothing", seems to play into the hands of Arnold Friend's clever bluster with a deceptive plan (Oates ). A friend says, “Ellie and I are coming here especially for you” (Oates). Connie's father seemed to never take time out of his day to spend time with his daughter, but Arnold knows his time is spent alone at home. Ellie and Arnold are simply taking advantage of the sunlight at Connie's house to fill that void. Worse yet, Arnold exudes this confidence that she will be with him no matter what. It may also come from Connie's vanity which causes her trouble with the withdrawn behavior of others. Never spends time with family; However, more except for others. Suddenly, Drawing Arnold Friend enjoys some missing companionship in Connie's life. Arnold then seems even more inexplicable. He knows that Connie's family is in Aunt Tillie's garden as well as what they are doing... middle of paper... your own age? Or maybe a few years older, I'm eighteen. He even seeks to follow what's popular, when what's popular doesn't quite fit. Arnold's character leaves the audience with questions that are never answered; however, you become more intrigued by what Arnold represents. A kidnapper, a rapist, a monster, and a devil are all wrapped up in his character. He becomes very antagonistic throughout the story. Looking at Ellie, you seem to have the same image, her being described as having a pale, bluish chest. Collar pointed upwards as if hiding something under his neck. They seem like nice young people, but when you look closer, these men are stalking the young women. Works Cited Oates, Joyce Carol. “Where are you going, where have you been?” Atwan, McQuade. The presence of the writer: a reading pool. Vanguard Press, 1970. 898-911. print.