This week I read a short story called "Where are you going, where have you been?" I chose this one because it had a sense of suspense. I don't enjoy reading all to much, but when I do read, I like suspense because it pushes me to keep going. This story was about a young girl who wants to be more grown up. When she is out, she dresses more grown up, drawing attention from older men.
As we continue this story, a man pops into play at the restaurant. He is older, just as she wanted to draw in. She acts casual and goes with him for a short time. The story begins from this. Connie stays home alone one Sunday to find a car pulling into her driveway. She goes to the door and a man tries to lure her out with him and his friend. Although she enjoys the attention, she soon understands that something is wrong. This man had seen her and wanted her. She becomes aware of his true meaning of being there are tries to fight back, but can't and she has to surrender to this dark, ominous man who had seen her acting in a mature way.
I enjoyed this book because of the meaning behind the text. We are seeing messages of sexuality, curiosity and trickery. Connie is acting too grown up for her age, which is drawing the wrong attention. Many teen girls to act this way. They want to break free from their childhood so early that is can cause men to get the wrong Idea. I also enjoyed reading how Arnold tried to lure Connie in. He was a smooth talker, which most men like this would portray. The feelings that I was able to feel from this selection were amazing. I almost felt as though I was there with Connie, felling my heart beating and the feelings of being unsure. Often times, living in rural Minnesota on a farm, we have people stop in the yard. Although this is an older story, I feel as though I need to be more careful as to whom I open my house doors to. In our society, you never know what types of people could be knocking on your door.
I didn't read this story for this week's chat, but I appreciated how you pointed out the theme of the story. You mentioned how you need to be more careful of who you open your doors to. I can relate you this statement, because I am from a small town of only four hundred people. We never lock our house, our car doors, or anything. Although, this is a good reminder that I shouldn't be so trusting because one never knows what troubles might occur. I am often niave and think "nothing is going to happen," but as they say, "it is better to be safe than sorry."
ReplyDeleteI, too, like your observation of being careful even in the country. I am old enough to remember when even Sioux Falls didn't need to worry about such things, including where I grew up...on a farm near a small community...however, today, it seems that it doesn't matter where one lives; the criminals are no longer worried about location being a factor for their schemes.
ReplyDeleteI too agree with the fact that connie was acting way to grown up for her age. I also think that Arnold Friend got his ideas from the way she was acting by thinking she was older.
ReplyDelete