Introduction
Joyce Carol Oates’s short story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been” reveals themes of vulnerability, teenage uncertainty, innocence, and ominous themes of temptation and naivety. In this essay, I argue that the author’s primary purpose is to encourage the reader to accept the appeal of temptation as dangerous through the example of the main character, who makes a fateful decision based on it and may face dangerous consequences.
Short Story Analysis
The initial introduction to the characters begins with the presentation of Connie, who embodies the timid traits of adolescence. She strives for independence, is vain, and is infatuated with her beauty while experiencing communication problems within her family and a lack of attention from her father (Oates 139). Moreover, in Connie’s opinion, her mother is prejudiced: “She had been pretty once too…. but now her looks were gone, and that was why she was always after Connie” (Oates 140). Her condition can be described as unstable, which becomes the reason for what happens in the book.
According to the analyses under consideration, the problems in Connie’s complexes and excessive naivety may lie in her family relationships. Thus, Anand draws attention to the “negative father complex as a disturbing yet necessary element in Oates’ novels” (296). The lack of upbringing and male image formation may be the reason for the reflection of Arnold Friend’s uncanny charisma and the attraction Connie feels for him. Thus, the naive desire for adventure and escape from ordinary life is realized.
The author uses many techniques of symbolism in his work, which are found on the pages of the work. For example, the hazard of attraction is described by the music of rebellion and freedom playing in Arnold’s car, helping Connie escape the unknown (Oates 144). The strange license plates and images on the car suggest the nature of the guest’s charismatic facade, but the impending danger does not deflect Connie’s decision.
Conclusion
Thus, the final choice in the book identifies the fateful decision and highlights the danger of the attractive temptation outlined in the story. The story has no ending and could have been inspired by periodic incidents of kidnapping and murder with similar patterns. Nevertheless, the vulnerability of young people in this context should be considered the main message, and the dangers of temptation should be taken into account by all thinking parents.
Works Cited
Anand, Aswathi Velayathikode, and Srirupa Chatterjee. “Overcoming Daddy: The Daughter’s Rite of Passage in Joyce Carol Oates’ Late Novels.” Critique Studies in Contemporary Fiction, vol. 63, no. 3, 2022, pp. 296–308. Web.
Oates, Joyce. Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been? Selected Stories. Ontario Review Press, 1993.
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