When Arnold Friend appears in Joyce Carol Oates's short story "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?," he is driving a bright gold car with his name written in "tarlike black letters on the side, with a drawing of a round, grinning face that reminded Connie of a pumpkin, except it wore sunglasses." He has written a secret code on the side of the car: 33, 19, 17, and he expects Connie to respond to this code as he raises his eyebrows, but she doesn't grasp what it means. The left rear fender of the car has been crushed, and Arnold has written "DONE BY CRAZY WOMAN DRIVER" on it. The front fender bears another saying, "MAN THE FLYING SAUCERS."
A car often symbolizes identity to teenagers, and Arnold Friend, who is likely much older than his stated age, is trying to come across as a hip teenager (though failing). The code on the side of the car could mean several things. It could refer to his age and the ages of his victims. Connie is 15, so the next number on the side of the door might be 15. In addition, some readers believe the numbers refer to the Biblical verse John 19:17, "Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull." This verse refers to Jesus's crucifixion, and he was 33 when he was crucified.
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