Characters
What is the main character's name?
Connie
How is Connie's sister used as a motif?
She is always being compared to her sister.
What does Connie think of her mother?
She thinks her mother hates her because of her looks.
What does Connie realize she actually likes about going out and meeting boys?
She likes the idea of the freedom and rebellion of going out.
"Stop gawking at yourself. Who are you? You think you're so pretty?"
Her mom said this, scolding her.
Who is the creepy guy who comes to Connie's house?
Arnold Friend
How is Connie's beauty a motif?
To show her insecurity and her need to stand out (A way of rebellion against her mother)
When does Connie see Arnold for the first time?
She sees him in his car after leaving the restaurant with Eddie.
What does Connie realize while Arnold is trying to get her into the car?
She realizes that he's crazy and attempts to get away from him.
"I'm the boy for you and like I said, you come out here nice like a lady and give me your hand, and nobody else gets hurt. I mean, your nice, bald-headed daddy and your mummy and your sister in her high heels. Because listen: why bring them in this?"
Arnold said this to scare Connie.
How old is the main character?
15
How is Connie's rebellion a motif?
In the beginning of the story, Connie wants to go out and be reckless, but through this rebellion she runs into Arnold, putting her in danger. Later, we see Connie calling for her mom, opposite of what she would do earlier in the story.
How does Arnold convince Connie to get into his car?
He manipulates her by calling her pretty, being reassuring, and saying that he knows all about her. He casts an incantation (spell) on her.
When does Connie realize she had to pick up the phone?
When she realizes Arnold won't go away.
"But if you don't come out we're gonna wait till your people come home and then they're all going to get it."
Arnold is threatening Connie's family. It is another attempt to get her to come out of the house.
Who's the guy in Arnold Friend's car? What's in his hand?
Ellie, Arnold's friend. He has a transistor radio in his hand.
How is Arnold's car used as a motif?
It is reoccurring throughout the story that Arnold's car and is seen as an escape, and later in the story it is used to show how a person's perspective can change.
What happens when Connie runs to the phone?
She hears a loud sound and is in a trance.
What does Connie notice when she takes a closer look at Arnold Friend?
He is not actually around her age, he's older and dressed up to look around her age.
"Now, what you're gonna do is this: you're going to come out that door. You're going to sit up front with me and Ellie's going to sit in the back, the hell with Ellie, right? This isn't Ellie's date. You're my date. I'm your lover, honey."
Arnold is forcing Connie to get into his car, manipulating her and saying that she's his date.
Who does Arnold threaten when Connie doesn't listen to him?
Her family.
How are the references to 'The Big Bad Wolf' used as a motif?
Arnold talks about 'knocking down' Connie's house, he uses it as a way to make her feel like she can't get away from him, and that she wouldn't be safe in her own home.
What does Connie do at the end of the story? Why does she do this?
She goes to Arnold. She's in a trance.
What does Connie realize on the last page?
She says that his words are like a kindly incantation and she falls under it.
"This place you are now - inside your daddy's house - is nothing but a cardboard box I can knock down anytime."
Arnold says this to scare Connie into going with him.