Simultaneously, there are many occurrences in the story where Connie alludes to her familiar world. Connie’s familiar world is incredibly important and in fact possibly vital to her. Connie’s familiar world operates as a sort of secure haven for her, chiefly when escaping mentally or when threatened. Connie’s house acts as a symbolic representation of her familiarity. Crossing the threshold of the door would signify an emergence from the protective cocoon of adolescent innocence. Connie’s familiar world suddenly becomes foreign because she draws

signifies fertility and youthful innocence. As the story progresses, Arnold unrelentingly demands Connie to come with him for a ride in his car, but Connie feels pressured and threatened by Arnold. Thereafter, Arnold’s menacing behavior transforms Connie’s previously vibrant bright green blouse into a blouse darkened with sweat. This is definitely a significant turning point in the story, predominantly for Connie. Connie is now transforming from a representation of light imagery or being represented as a figure of adolescence to being consumed by dark imagery or being transformed into a figure of adulthood.

Moreover, music also acts as a symbolic representation. Connie uses music to induce her daydreaming. In the story, Arnold periodically utilizes Connie’s love of music against her. For example, Arnold frigidly pursues Connie by utilization of words “spoken with a slight rhythmic lilt”(16). Arnold clandestinely exercises music as his ally and his voice to control or influence Connie’s feelings. Additionally, when Connie manages to divert her attention from Arnold’s constant hounding with his voice, she places her hands over her ears, Arnold calls her back by asking her if she is still listening. Specifically intended for Connie, Arnold Friend’s rhythmic words are a chant, which call Connie to cast away her reserve and to follow him into the unknown. Connie’s adolescent immaturity is shown through her failure to successfully analyze the situation she faces. If Connie paid attention to her mother early in the story, then she would not have had to submit to Arnold. A more

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