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  • Essay / An Analysis of the Chivalry of Arnold Friend

    Table of ContentsThe Chivalry of Arnold FriendWhat is Chivalry?The Idea of ​​Chivalry and Arnold FriendHonestyProtectionConclusionThe Chivalry of Arnold FriendMeg Ryan , speaking about one of his films, said: "I heard chivalry is dead, but I think it's just a bad flu" (2017). Ryan says that ideas of chivalry are still applicable and exist, regardless of how they are affected. Society's idea of ​​what chivalrous behavior is and when it applies has certainly moved away from the original concept. The clearest example of this can be seen in Joyce Carol Oates' short story "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" ". The character of Arnold Friend reflects and manipulates chivalric concepts, showing how these intentions can be impure while still being presented as honorable. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”?Get the original essayWhat is chivalry?In the Middle Ages, chivalry referred to the righteous behavior of knights; such as honesty, courage, courtesy and respect. Chivalry was not necessarily simple acts of men towards women. Today, the definition has shifted more toward a set of behaviors that men exhibit to gain the favor of women; however, the main behaviors remain the same (Chivalry Today 2017). Essentially, chivalry refers to actions and behaviors designed to protect and/or uplift women. For example, a man acting chivalrously may provide his seat to a female passenger on a train to prevent her from standing during a long journey. In this short story, the main character Connie is described as a young, pretty and vain teenager. girl. She does not get along well with her mother and insinuates that she is jealous of her beauty. She also doesn't like her sister much because she is older and has more of her mother's approval; however, no conflict is noted in the story between the two sisters. Connie feels like she must be two different people; the identity she presents at home and the identity she presents when she goes out with her friends. While out with her friend, she meets some boys at a local drive-in; and at one point he attracts the attention of Arnold Friend. A few days later, when her family is away for a barbecue, Connie chooses to stay home instead. While his family is gone, Arnold Friend and his friend Ellie arrive at Connie's house; and he tries to convince her to come with him. Arnold evokes notions of chivalry, but makes it clear that his intention is not as honorable as his words suggest. Although she refuses to comply with Friend, after he threatens her family, she relents. The final feelings of the story are Connie leaving her house to go to Friend's house, knowing that unsavory events await her. The Idea of ​​Chivalry and Arnold FriendWhile Arnold Friend speaks to Connie, he introduces himself as being a teenager like her; however, Connie notices that he and Ellie both look much older. His presentation of himself through fashion and his vehicle are done in part to make Connie feel more comfortable and secure. His verbal presentation uses a common popular formulation and he tries to show its commonalities. For example, he tells her that he knows everyone and everything, like his friends and where his family is (Oats pp. 33-34, 1993). This is all done to present herself as someone she can trust. Arnold also uses flattery to try to coerce.