Unprepared Symbolism

Words: 787
Pages: 4

Connie is a typical fifteen year old teenager who loves to hear pop-like music. Contrasting, the boy in “Unprepared” who is two years older than Connie and is well aware of the hidden dangers of talking to strangers. Music fills Connie’s head with false fantasies of love and romance underlying the true meaning. Both teenagers in the stories make bad decisions and/or poor choices, which places them in dangerous situations. Given the thesis, of a young person who grows too fast in a big world can be dangerous. The theme of this story is how people in general want freedom and independence and how they chose to ignore the consequences. One element that Oates uses to communicate the theme is Symbolism. For example, the car symbolizes someone that is independent, important, and confident. Driving a flashy golden convertible will sure get you noticed sticking out like a sore thumb. Arnold uses his car to attract younger victims, especially girls. It also gives him the appearance of being younger, masking his real age and intentions. It is the first …show more content…
This is where most of the story takes place. Connie considers her home as her sanctuary, a world she has always known a home that failed to protect her physically. The only thing between her and Arnold is a screen door. Arnold compares Connie’s home to a cardboard box “This place you are now-inside your daddy’s house-is nothing but a cardboard box” (Oates 320) which means her situation has become dire. The boy in “Unprepared” recognizes right away how he placed himself in a situation that can become very dangerous. Keeping real close by him the one thing that will protect him, his trusting razor. On the other hand, with no one to protect her Connie has succumb to Arnold. Under Arnold’s control Connie crosses the threshold. The crossing of the threshold symbolizes her transition in which she leaves behind her childhood and enters her adulthood or leaves life to enter