Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is Connie's initial reaction when she sees the car and the driver?
What is Connie's initial reaction when she sees the car and the driver?
- She is indifferent and shows no particular interest or pleasure.
- She panics about her appearance and questions who the driver is. (correct)
- She immediately recognizes the driver and is excited to see him.
- She is immediately disgusted and retreats back inside the house.
How does Connie behave in her interaction with the driver to mask her true feelings?
How does Connie behave in her interaction with the driver to mask her true feelings?
- She speaks flirtatiously and shows obvious interest in the driver.
- She speaks in a monotone voice and avoids direct eye contact completely.
- She is openly hostile and demands that the driver leave immediately.
- She speaks sullenly and is careful to show no interest or pleasure. (correct)
What detail about the driver's appearance is emphasized in the passage?
What detail about the driver's appearance is emphasized in the passage?
- His neatly combed, blonde hair.
- His stylish, expensive clothing.
- His shaggy, shabby black hair that looked crazy as a wig. (correct)
- His clean-shaven face and bright smile.
How does the author describe the sunglasses worn by the driver?
How does the author describe the sunglasses worn by the driver?
What is the significance of the music playing from the transistor radio?
What is the significance of the music playing from the transistor radio?
How does Connie's inability to see the driver's eyes behind his sunglasses affect her?
How does Connie's inability to see the driver's eyes behind his sunglasses affect her?
What does the driver do to try to prove his earlier claims?
What does the driver do to try to prove his earlier claims?
What does Connie's dawdling in the doorway suggest about her state of mind?
What does Connie's dawdling in the doorway suggest about her state of mind?
What does Connie's habit of checking her reflection and other people's faces suggest about her character?
What does Connie's habit of checking her reflection and other people's faces suggest about her character?
How does the author use the description of Connie's mother to create a sense of conflict in the story?
How does the author use the description of Connie's mother to create a sense of conflict in the story?
What does the comparison between Connie and her sister June reveal about Connie's internal conflicts?
What does the comparison between Connie and her sister June reveal about Connie's internal conflicts?
How does the father's detachment contribute to the overall atmosphere of the story?
How does the father's detachment contribute to the overall atmosphere of the story?
What is the significance of Connie's 'high, breathless, amused voice' in relation to her interactions with others?
What is the significance of Connie's 'high, breathless, amused voice' in relation to her interactions with others?
What does Connie's wish for her mother and herself's death reveal about her emotional state?
What does Connie's wish for her mother and herself's death reveal about her emotional state?
From the details provided, what is the most likely source of the conflict between Connie and her mother?
From the details provided, what is the most likely source of the conflict between Connie and her mother?
What does the repeated mentioning of June's virtues and accomplishments by Connie's mother and aunts suggest about their values?
What does the repeated mentioning of June's virtues and accomplishments by Connie's mother and aunts suggest about their values?
What does the detail about Connie's mother having 'no objections' to her going out with friends suggest about the mother's perception?
What does the detail about Connie's mother having 'no objections' to her going out with friends suggest about the mother's perception?
The phrase 'Everything about her had two sides to it, one for home and one for anywhere that was not home' suggests what about Connie's behavior?
The phrase 'Everything about her had two sides to it, one for home and one for anywhere that was not home' suggests what about Connie's behavior?
What is the significance of the girls' 'charm bracelets jingling on their thin wrists'?
What is the significance of the girls' 'charm bracelets jingling on their thin wrists'?
What feeling does the music in the restaurant primarily evoke for Connie and her friend?
What feeling does the music in the restaurant primarily evoke for Connie and her friend?
The description of Connie's laugh as 'cynical and drawling at home' but 'highpitched and nervous anywhere else' reveals what about her emotional state?
The description of Connie's laugh as 'cynical and drawling at home' but 'highpitched and nervous anywhere else' reveals what about her emotional state?
How does the detail about the girls ducking 'fast across the busy road' to reach the drive-in restaurant contribute to the overall tone of the passage?
How does the detail about the girls ducking 'fast across the busy road' to reach the drive-in restaurant contribute to the overall tone of the passage?
Connie experiences a moment of pure pleasure 'of being alive'. Which of the following contributes MOST to this feeling?
Connie experiences a moment of pure pleasure 'of being alive'. Which of the following contributes MOST to this feeling?
What does the drive-in restaurant, shaped like 'a big bottle' with 'a revolving figure of a grinning boy holding a hamburger aloft,' symbolize in the context of the story?
What does the drive-in restaurant, shaped like 'a big bottle' with 'a revolving figure of a grinning boy holding a hamburger aloft,' symbolize in the context of the story?
When the boy in the gold convertible says, 'Gonna get you, baby,' how does Connie primarily react?
When the boy in the gold convertible says, 'Gonna get you, baby,' how does Connie primarily react?
The girls' reaction to being invited over by a boy 'from high school they didn’t like'—'It made them feel good to be able to ignore him'—suggests what about their motivations?
The girls' reaction to being invited over by a boy 'from high school they didn’t like'—'It made them feel good to be able to ignore him'—suggests what about their motivations?
What is the primary purpose of the author describing Eddie's fidgety behavior on the stool?
What is the primary purpose of the author describing Eddie's fidgety behavior on the stool?
What does the detail about the 'sweating' wax cups suggest about the atmosphere of the restaurant?
What does the detail about the 'sweating' wax cups suggest about the atmosphere of the restaurant?
Considering the details about Connie's appearance and behavior, what underlying theme is being explored in the passage?
Considering the details about Connie's appearance and behavior, what underlying theme is being explored in the passage?
How does Connie's attitude towards leaving her friend at the restaurant contrast with Eddie's?
How does Connie's attitude towards leaving her friend at the restaurant contrast with Eddie's?
What is the most likely reason the author mentions that only the movie house was open when Eddie dropped Connie off?
What is the most likely reason the author mentions that only the movie house was open when Eddie dropped Connie off?
What does Connie's act of sucking in her breath suggest?
What does Connie's act of sucking in her breath suggest?
What does Connie's vague 'So-so' response to June about the movie suggest?
What does Connie's vague 'So-so' response to June about the movie suggest?
What is the significance of the 'single face' that Connie envisions while dreaming?
What is the significance of the 'single face' that Connie envisions while dreaming?
Why does Connie feel it is 'maybe cruel' to fool her mother?
Why does Connie feel it is 'maybe cruel' to fool her mother?
What does the differing tone in Connie's mother's voice when mentioning June versus Connie suggest?
What does the differing tone in Connie's mother's voice when mentioning June versus Connie suggest?
What symbolic significance does the 'fly buzzing suddenly around their heads' have in the context of Connie and her mother's interactions?
What symbolic significance does the 'fly buzzing suddenly around their heads' have in the context of Connie and her mother's interactions?
How does Connie simultaneously distance herself from and align herself with other girls her age?
How does Connie simultaneously distance herself from and align herself with other girls her age?
What do the descriptions of the shopping plaza and drive-in restaurant suggest about Connie's state of mind?
What do the descriptions of the shopping plaza and drive-in restaurant suggest about Connie's state of mind?
What is the main source of tension between Connie and her mother?
What is the main source of tension between Connie and her mother?
What does Connie's decision to stay home from the barbecue reveal about her relationship with her family?
What does Connie's decision to stay home from the barbecue reveal about her relationship with her family?
How does the author use sensory details to portray Connie's state of mind while sunbathing?
How does the author use sensory details to portray Connie's state of mind while sunbathing?
What does the description of the asbestos ranch house and its age suggest about Connie's perspective or the family's circumstances?
What does the description of the asbestos ranch house and its age suggest about Connie's perspective or the family's circumstances?
How does the radio program, XYZ Sunday Jamboree, contribute to Connie's emotional state?
How does the radio program, XYZ Sunday Jamboree, contribute to Connie's emotional state?
What is the significance of the car being described as an 'open jalopy, painted a bright gold'?
What is the significance of the car being described as an 'open jalopy, painted a bright gold'?
What is the contrast between Connie's perception of love and what 'someone like June would suppose'?
What is the contrast between Connie's perception of love and what 'someone like June would suppose'?
How does the description of Connie's father 'hunched around' while backing the car out contribute to the overall mood of the passage?
How does the description of Connie's father 'hunched around' while backing the car out contribute to the overall mood of the passage?
Why does Connie shake her head 'as if to get awake' after being in the sun?
Why does Connie shake her head 'as if to get awake' after being in the sun?
Flashcards
Haven
Haven
A place of refuge or happiness; a state of bliss.
Expectant
Expectant
Showing anticipation and eagerness.
Rigid
Rigid
In a stiff or upright manner.
Earnestly
Earnestly
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Glance
Glance
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Jalopy
Jalopy
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Slit (eyes)
Slit (eyes)
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Plaza
Plaza
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Parental Approval of Connie's Outings
Parental Approval of Connie's Outings
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Location of the Girls' Outings
Location of the Girls' Outings
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Girls' Appearance
Girls' Appearance
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Connie's Duality
Connie's Duality
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Connie's Hair
Connie's Hair
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Connie's Laugh
Connie's Laugh
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Drive-In Restaurant
Drive-In Restaurant
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Restaurant's Shape
Restaurant's Shape
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Connie
Connie
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June
June
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The Mother
The Mother
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Mirror Gazing
Mirror Gazing
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Trashy Daydreams
Trashy Daydreams
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The Father
The Father
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Mother-Daughter Conflict
Mother-Daughter Conflict
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Forced Voice
Forced Voice
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Connie's Initial Reaction
Connie's Initial Reaction
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The Horn Sound
The Horn Sound
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Driver's Appearance
Driver's Appearance
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Connie's Sullen Response
Connie's Sullen Response
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Other Boy's Appearance
Other Boy's Appearance
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Sunglasses Detail
Sunglasses Detail
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The Invitation
The Invitation
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Radio Connection
Radio Connection
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Connie's 'sweet' desires
Connie's 'sweet' desires
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Dazed with Warmth
Dazed with Warmth
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Asbestos ranch house
Asbestos ranch house
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XYZ Sunday Jamboree
XYZ Sunday Jamboree
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Bobby King
Bobby King
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Slow-pulsed joy
Slow-pulsed joy
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Unfamiliar car
Unfamiliar car
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Gravel crunching
Gravel crunching
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Connie's Summer Activities
Connie's Summer Activities
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Connie's Idealized Image
Connie's Idealized Image
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Mother's Interruptions
Mother's Interruptions
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Social Distancing (Connie's)
Social Distancing (Connie's)
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Connie's Guilt
Connie's Guilt
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Mother's Complaints
Mother's Complaints
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Mother's Tone
Mother's Tone
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Connie's belief about appearance
Connie's belief about appearance
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Study Notes
- Connie is a fifteen-year-old girl preoccupied with her appearance, often checking her reflection and seeking validation from others.
- Connie's mother constantly criticizes her appearance and compares her unfavorably to her older sister, June.
- June is 24 years old and still lives at home, she being praised for her practicality and helpfulness around the house.
- Connie's father is mostly absent and uninvolved with the family.
- Connie feels suffocated by her family and confides in her friends about her frustrations.
- Connie and her friends enjoy going to a shopping plaza and a drive restaurant for older kids.
- Connie attracts attention with her long, dark blond hair and carefully curated appearance.
- Her style differs based on whether she is at home or away from home, with a more carefree and alluring look when she is out.
- At the drive-in restaurant, Connie catches the eye of a boy in a gold convertible jalopy.
- The boy stares at Connie, she averts her gaze then he points his finger at her, laughing and promising to get her.
- Connie spends three hours with a boy named Eddie, but is left with her girl-friend at the movie theater.
- While sitting in the movie theater parking lot, Connie looks back at the drive in restaurant and can no longer hear the music.
- Connie and her friends go out several times a week during summer vacation.
- Connie spends her time at home avoiding chores, dreaming about boys, and getting on her mother's nerves.
- Connie's mother accuses Connie of being like "the Pettinger girl".
- The mother of Connie's best friend usually drops the girls off at their hang outs, giving Connie a chance to say she could drive herself there.
Sunday & Arnold's Arrival
- One Sunday, Connie stays home while her family attends a barbecue at an aunt's house.
- While alone, she listens to music on the radio, reveling in the feeling of freedom and excitement.
- A gold jalopy arrives, and Connie recognizes the driver as the boy from the restaurant.
- The driver, Arnold Friend, is a seemingly friendly person.
- With Arnold Friend stands another boy Ellie Oscar, who never takes off his sunglasses and is very quiet.
- Arnold Friend tries to persuade Connie to go for a ride with him, but Connie hesitates.
- Arnold Friend's car is adorned with strange markings.
- Arnold reads aloud the numbers 33, 19, and 17, which he identifies as a secret code.
- The left rear fender is smashed and bares the text "DONE BY CRAZY WOMAN DRIVER".
- Arnold Friend claims to know details about Connie's life.
- Arnold Friend's gaze reveals a darkness that makes Connie feel uneasy.
- Arnold Friend tries to make Connie believe he is her age but it is clear he is older.
Arnold's Persistance
- He mentions details about Connie's family being away, her activities the previous night, and her friend's name, Betty.
- Connie attempts to assert her independence, but she is unnerved by Arnold's knowledge.
- Arnold's smile seems insincere his age is not what he presents, filling Connie with dread.
- As Arnold continues to coax Connie, she becomes increasingly frightened and decides to go back inside and end the conversation.
- He insists that he's not going to come any closer and that he'll wait for her to come out of the house and go for a nice drive through the land.
- Arnold speaks through Connie, making her nervous, and mentions facts about her family.
- Connie states that she is going to call the police, leading Arnold to explain that once she touches the phone he no longer needs to keep promises.
- These promises include not coming into her house.
- Arnold mentions that he is able to break through the screen door, glass, wood, iron or anything else if he needed to.
- He suggests that she would run to him if the house caught fire, suggesting that there is a chance of a fire happening.
- Arnold says they will have to wait until her people come home and they're all going to get it should she fail to come outside.
- Ellie, the other boy, stated "'You want that telephone pulled out?'".
- Ellie is told to shut up.
- Arnold notes the presence of an old women down with the chickens, and when told she is dead and they're no longer there she is met with more questions.
- Arnold states "'"Just two things, or maybe three,"'", but promises it won't last long.
Turning Point
- Connie turns and runs back inside, bumping into something and hurting her leg severely.
- Connie tries to call to get help but is so afraid that she finds it hard to dial anything.
- Connie cries down the phone, she feels her lungs start to draw in erratic breaths as if Arnold Friend was stabbing her repeatedly, and she feels locked inside of the house.
- Connie comes back to her senses to find herself sitting on the floor with her back against the wall.
- Arnold Friend states from the doorway, "'That's a good girl. Put the phone back."'
- She does as she is told.
- Arnold Friend repeats that if she is a good girl she can now come outside to the driveway.
- Connie feels hallow with what was once fear, but it is now empty due to all that screaming having burned it out of her.
- Her bright green blouse is wet.
- Something deep inside her wants to not make a sound, and she realizes she is not going to see her mother again and is not going to sleep in her bed again.
- Arnold speaks in a louder more theatrical voice, noting "'The place where you came From ain't there any more,'" and where you had in mind to go is cancelled out.
- Arnold continues stating that the Daddy's house she is inside now is nothing but a cardboard box that she is going to need to learn to know what to do about.
- As a last resort, she thinks.
- Arnold says again that they will go somewhere nice together and he will show her about love.
- He notes that the house is good and solid but they both know better because she is a good girl who is alone, and by herself.
- Connie looks at her own hand as her heart beats, and decides that she is not really herself but she will turn this way and do it by herself.
End
- Arnold asks Connie that the three actions they will do is better than what would have been had it been done by them, she would have been great.
- Arnold again asks that they come to leave through the back together, and that a smile can only have kindness.
- Connie finds that she's brushed hair out of her eyes, and that Arnold has released the gate so that he can show there is no way to harm yourself with an embrace.
- Connie opens by the back door where she is going to be safe.
- Arnold has taken the scene as what he had to wait for due to her big brown eyes, but taken her land and is now a face recognized as now she is going to know to go to it.
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Description
This narrative delves into the life of Connie, a teenager grappling with identity and familial pressures. The story explores themes of vanity, the need for validation, and the complex dynamics within her family. Her encounters reflect a deeper search for self and escape from her oppressive home environment.
