Ryan Bogdanowicz Honors English

January 8, 2013

In the stories "A Good Man Is Hard" and "Where Are You Going Where Have You

Been" there are two villains that stick out compared to modern day villains. The Misfit

and Arnold Friend are two interestingly unique antagonists. They are similar in many

ways however they have quite a lot of traits that separate them as well.

       Arnold Friend is a sly, manipulative man who targets Connie and kidnaps her. He is

an enigmatic figure who hangs out with a strange, music loving man named Ellie.

Although his true motives were never revealed it is quite obvious he is the story's

antagonist. Arnold is clearly a stalker as it is confirmed the moment he makes his

second appearance. His mortifying need for Connie also suggests that he is a child

molester. However even though his true intentions are unknown, the author claims that

the story is based off an article in a magazine where a few children are kidnapped,

molested, and killed. This proves what we've already guessed. On the outside Arnold is

in many ways similar to a normal person (at least in those times). He goes on Sunday

drives, hits on girls, listens to music, and hangs out with his friend. Whether he does this

for real or as a cover is unknown. Another notable trait is his high regard for his friend

Ellie. He claims that Ellie is "A riot, he's a nut, a real character" (page 9, Where are you

Going, Where Have You Been). Because of his fondness of Ellie, it has been theorized

that Ellie is Arnold's only friend. Since he only has one friend, he cherishes him. Another

theory is that he is using Ellie to hide the fact that he is a stalker and kidnapper.

However they're still both theories and have never been proven. As you can see Arnold

Friend is an enigmatic, mystery of a man.

       The Misfit is a serial killer and escaped prisoner. The Misfit is quite different than

traditional antagonists. He is polite in front of people, very much unlike the traditional

Ryan Bogdanowicz Honors English

January 8, 2013

villains. He also has quite a history, he has been in the army and marines, married

twice, an undertaker, a railroad worker, gospel singer, he has been in a tornado, plowed

some land, seen a man burnt alive, and seen a  woman "flogged". However The Misfit

claims to have always been a good person. This drives the theory that he believes that

he does not view his crimes are bad. He has even been to prison. However during his

conversation with grandmother he says he can never remember what he did wrong.

Nevertheless he was buried alive as punishment in prison. This information has

formulated another theory, that perhaps The Misfit went mad while underground. If so,

this would explain why he is so different from traditional villains.