of a young lady. However, her anywhere else personality brings about manychanges not only in behavior but also in appearance. She could be seen as liberal,sociable, and wild young girl who is open to new things (5).Oates points out a third trait. This trait is visible through Connies actions. Herbehavior is two-sided along with every thing else about her. Her actions in the first of thestory, where she teases the boys and entices them (5), play a sharp contrast to her scaredactions at the end when the boy is enticing her (110). Connie exemplifies most younggirls in her actions. She likes to tease the young men, but doesnt understand therepercussions her actions will bring about. The author takes the subject of a vulnerable young girl and interweaves it with thetheme of good vs. evil. Connie is described as young and immature; however, Arnoldis described as older and wiser. The theme is further developed in the way Arnold temptsConnie to come outside. A comparison can be drawn to Satans tempting of Jesus Christsuch as: the display of his knowledge, making promises, and offering unrealistic rewards. This highlights the classic good vs. evil battle. Nevertheless, Connie is much moresusceptible than Jesus, and surrenders to Arnold by going outside. Connie doesnt wantto go but feels she has no other choice. Joyce Carol Oates leaves a bitter taste in her audiences mouth at the end of thestory. Through Oates description of Connies characteristics she shows how Connie hadto live with the result of her deeds. Oates feels that injustice has been done yet provesher point of young girls opening themselves to these actions with their own actions. Sheintends to leave the unjustness unpunished so her audience feels only a small part of whatConnie felt.Connie didnt want or deserve the crime that was done to her. In the end Connierealized the innocence she had been trying to escape was now gone. Although the loss ofher innocence didnt...
