The way that Connie flaunts herself .
2.
in the presence of others gives Arnold fuel to what he wants to do, and what he knows she is after. Connie is putting herself out there, and Arnold is going to grab hold tight.
The most important element of the story is symbolism. Oates uses symbolism through Arnold, Connie, and music. With the music that is played throughout the story, and the characters actions, they tell the reader of what is happening in that time period, and the consequences of each persons action.
Arnold Friend, or "an old friend," symbolizes the danger that is coming in Connie's life. He is not a real person. He is more of a conscience to Connie. He is the bad conscience that puts Connie in situations where there could be trouble. When Connie wakes up after being in the sun for part of the day, she is disillusioned, and disoriented. So when Arnold Friend comes to the house, it is more of an illusion than reality. Arnold symbolizes the danger that Connie is going to encounter if she continues to choose the path in her life where she only cares about herself. The way that Arnold knows everybody in Connie's life also symbolizes the use of drugs and drinking. He knows who everyone is because the teenage community of that time was very big into drinking and drugs. "An old friend" knows each individual because everyone needs "an old friend." .
Although the story is mainly about Connie, Connie herself symbolizes many teenage girls in that time period. Oates shows us this every time Connie goes out with her friends. It is a warning to parents that when their kids do go out, they seldom do what they tell you. "Sometimes they did go shopping or to a movie.but sometimes they went across the highway to where the older kids hang out"(Oates pg. 388). With the rebellious behavior and vanity, Connie is symbolizing the whole teenage girl community. She shows what danger comes to everyone when all they care about are themselves.
