Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been By Joyce Carol Oates

1697 Words7 Pages

Joyce Carol Oates created a deep and intriguing story that has readers fearful to read what happens next. "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been" was published in 1966. Other notable works that Joyce Carol Oates has created are "With Shuddering Fall" and "The Wheel Of Love". Common themes and topics she follows are everyday characters, also psychologically and socially terrifying situations. Most of her works are written based off real life tragedies that she heard or read about in a magazine or on the news. Putting ordinary people in horrifying circumstances that test themselves in a new way. In this story, Connie is a typical, easily manipulated teenage girl exploring the possibilities of who she wants to be. One summer day, the devil in disguise as Arnold Friend drives up to her house with nothing but bad intentions. Being as naïve as a 15 year old girl, Arnold "Fiend" is able to lure her out of her house and into his car. Inspired by a true story, this piece is a twisted tale of manipulation and pure evil. Connie in this transitional stage from girlhood to womanhood, looks to her jealous mother for guideance she will not receive. Joyce Carol Oates in "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been" illustrates that the innocent and naïve will often get taken advantage of. In "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been", a 15-year-old girl named Connie struggles with living up to the expectations of her parents. Her older sister June, is the epitome of what her parents

Open Document