rephrase this:

The differences between Arnold Friend are a lot more sinister than Charles Schmid because
Arnold was hiding something. They might have both worn boots but Arnold was hiding
something more sinister than Smitty. According to Joyce Carol Oates “He wobbled in his high
boots and grabbed hold of one of the porch posts.” Oates(10). This shows the reader that Arnold
Friend had no feet which is another thing that the devil did not have. Arnold Friend could see all
the way into town. Joyce Carol Oates quotes “Sitting around,” he said vaguely, squinting as if he
were staring all the way to town...” Oates(10). This shows the reader that he knew creepily
everything Connie’s family was doing and gives more reason why he is the devil. This gives
reason why the villains are more different than they are similar.
These similarities and differences show that Arnold Friend was based on Charles Schmid. This
gives the reason why the character Arnold Friend was based on Charles Schmid.

1 answer

The distinctions between Arnold Friend and Charles Schmid are far more ominous, as Arnold conceals a darker secret. While both characters wore boots, Arnold's hidden truth is more malevolent than Smitty's. Joyce Carol Oates illustrates this when she writes, “He wobbled in his high boots and grabbed hold of one of the porch posts” (Oates 10). This detail suggests that Arnold Friend lacks feet, a characteristic that further associates him with the devil. Additionally, Arnold has an unsettling awareness of everything happening in town; Oates states, “Sitting around,” he said vaguely, squinting as if he were staring all the way to town...” (Oates 10). This implies that he eerily knows what Connie’s family is up to, reinforcing his portrayal as a devilish figure. These elements highlight how the villains differ more than they align.

The similarities and differences between Arnold Friend and Charles Schmid indicate that Arnold's character was inspired by Schmid, further supporting the notion that Arnold Friend is based on Charles Schmid.