Stylistic devices in the story

Stylistic devices in the story

Allusions

The story's overall structure is an allusion to the tradition of Western European allegory known as Death and the Maiden. Here Arnold Friend is death personified and Connie is his young, female victim. Some critics have theorized that Arnold Friend, with his wild black hair and connection to music, is an allusion to Bob Dylan.

Imagery

Joyce Carol Oates uses powerful, almost surreal imagery to convey Connie's growing panic. In one memorable scene she compares the girl's jerking breath to sexual assault, confusing fantasy and reality. In another she describes an out-of-body experience to communicate Connie's fractured and powerless state.

Colloquial and slang vocabulary ("Oh, that dope", "Who the hell do you think you are?") in Connie's speech and dialectical forms in Arnold's speech ("Toldja I'd be out, didn't I?", ""Don'tcha like my car?", "Can'tcha read it?") the author conveys the atmosphere of free informal conversation which seems to be very realistic.

Simile "...he hadn't shaved for a day or two, and the nose long and hawklike, sniffing as if she were a treat he was going to gobble up and it was all a joke..."