Table of Contents
The Chivalry and Friend of Arnold
What is chivalry?
The Idea Of Chivalry And Arnold Friend
Honesty
Safeguard
In conclusion
The Chivalry and Friend of Arnold
Meg Ryan said in a recent interview that she heard chivalry had died, but thought it was just a bad case of the flu. Ryan says that chivalry is still relevant and occurs, no matter how they are affected. In recent years, the concept of chivalrous behaviors and their application has shifted. Joyce Carol Oates is best known for her short story “Where You Are Going, Where You Have Been?”. Arnold Friend reflects chivalrous notions, and shows how they can be impure while appearing to be honorable.
What is chivalry and what does it mean? In the Middle ages, the word chivalry described the moral behavior of knights. These included: honesty, courage, respect, and courtesy. Chivalry wasn’t always just men being kind to women. Today, chivalry is defined as a series of behaviors that are used by men to gain favor from women. Chivalry is a set of behaviors and actions designed to help women. A man may act chivalrously by offering his seat on a train for a woman to avoid her having to stand the entire ride. She is not close to her mother and suggests that she’s jealous. The story does not mention any conflict between her and her older sister, but she doesn’t like her because her mother approves of her more. Connie believes that she is two people: the person she is at home and the person she is with her friends. During a night out with a girlfriend, Connie meets a few boys at Friend’s Drive-In Diner. At one point she catches Arnold Friends attention. Connie decides not to go out with her family for the barbeque a couple of days later. Arnold Friend’s friend Ellie and Connie visit her home while her family are away. Arnold tries persuading Connie to come along with him. Arnold’s words are full of noble notions, but it is clear that he has no intention to act in the manner he claims. After Friend threatens his family, she finally gives in. Connie goes to Friend’s house, even though she knows what is waiting for her.
Arnold Friend and The Idea of chivalryAlthough Arnold Friend presents himself to Connie as a teenage girl, Connie realizes that he is older. Connie feels more secure and comfortable when Arnold Friend presents himself in a fashion that is similar to hers. He uses popular expressions to convey his message. For instance, he tells the girl that he has a good grasp of everything including her family and friends (Oats). 33-34, 1993). All of these things are done so that she will trust him.
Arnold uses flattery as well to get Connie to cooperate. He tells his girlfriend how beautiful and attractive she is. It is common to confuse flattery with chivalry. This is not always true. Chivalry’s purpose is to earn a gentleman’s favor through elevating a lady. While flattery is a way to show respect, it only does so in a superficial sense.
HonestyTrust, honesty and chivalry are all important concepts in chivalrous behavior because they show that the gentleman only acts for the woman’s benefit. Arnold has repeatedly told Connie that she cannot be lied to, which is an act of chivalry. He tells Connie that “I keep my word” in all honesty. Tell you the truth, I am always nice to begin with. I’ll hold on so tightly that you won’t even think about trying to escape or pretending anything, because you will know you can’t.” 37, 1993). This is the only time he says how nice he really is, but also that she has no chance of escaping his plans to rape (and possibly kill) her.
ProtectionOne of the most important components of chivalrous conduct is protecting the lady against unfavorable situations. Arnold Friend tries, despite the fact that his intentions are negative, to convince Connie he has her best interest at heart. He tells Connie that he would like to go on a pleasant drive in an area of natural beauty, referring to this as a date. In truth, he wants to force her sexually into an isolated place. A gentleman of true chivalry would never force or suggest such an action. Arnold illustrates in this case how chivalry can be corrupted to achieve immoral desires.
ConclusionThis is an example of how chivalry is used in today’s society. It is not done to be chivalrous, but to achieve what one wants. Arnold Friend presents as a young, honest man who is trying to impress Connie with a romantic date. He is not chivalrous despite his attempts to appear so. Arnold Friend has malicious intentions, but his honesty subverts what he tries portray.
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