Where Are You Going Where Have You Been Summary
“Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been” is an intriguing short story by Joyce Carol Oates that leaves readers to delve into their own interpretations of what truly happened in the story. As a matter of fact, the last section of Oates’ story is what has caused the most discussion as Connie’s fate is at the mercy of a sinister man known as Arnold Friend. Furthermore, the fact that the story ends without a clear explanation of who Friend was only adds to the mystery as the reader does not know what exactly happened to Connie or if she was only having a dream. This paper will decipher the author’s message, analyze the characters of Arnold Friend and Ellie, and deduce Connie’s fate. Oates’s main message in her short story is exactly pinpointed …show more content…
Although his character is static and does not play a big role, it is important to reconsider his place in the story. Associate Professor Anthony Ellis from Western Michigan University brings out the argument, which describes Ellie’s role in the story as very crucial compared to what scholars have thought before (Ellis 57). In fact, he states that Ellie is also the boy named Eddie. In the story, Eddie enters the restaurant and jerks around in “semicircles” turning back looking at the place to find someone interesting (Oates 143). Ellis believes that Eddie’s actions were not because of sexual desire but rather to “prevent Connie from looking at him to closely and directly, especially there inside the “bright-lit” restaurant” (Ellis 56). Afterwards, he invites Connie to a meal, and they spend three hours together. However, Connie apparently never really pays attention to Eddie as she is more interested on her surroundings and daydreams. This is extremely important to Anthony’s argument as it would suggest that Eddie may have found out information about Connie that he later told Friend. One great example of information is that her parents and sister were going to a barbecue on the next day, which she did not want to
Where Are You Going Where Have You Been Summary
818 Words | 4 PagesThe story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” had people in history asking questions of good and evil. Why do people have to suffer in the world? Arnold Friend is more than just an individual. He is a strong symbol of death, happiness, and everything that opposes the life we live in. This story was set in the context of the 1960s and the 1970s America and shows how strong violence is built into society (Laura Kalpakian).
Adulthood In Fforde's Shades Of Grey
702 Words | 3 PagesBy the end of the book, Eddie is almost a different person from whom he is at the start. First of all, Eddie shows maturity through his relationship with Travis Canary. Eddie meets and befriends Travis, a Yellow who is escaping Reboot, on the train ride to East Carmine. Later on in the novel, Travis runs away during night, at first Eddie goes after him, worrying about what might happen to him since no one is supposed to be able to see in the dark.
Where Are You Going Where Have You Been Summary
1120 Words | 5 PagesVarsha R. Yerram Professor Baker Studies in Fiction October 12, 2014 A Tainted Fantasy Overtaken by Morbid Reality In Joyce Carol Oates’ short story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” there is a serious conflict between what is reality and fantasy. It is far too easy for individuals to create false fantasies and illusions regarding what they believe something to be.
Where Are You Going Where Have You Been Arnold Friend Character Analysis
1258 Words | 6 PagesJoyce Carol Oates’s 1966 short story Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been has proven to give rise to many controversial topics. The main antagonist of the story, Arnold Friend, is Oates’s catalyst for these problems, with his character acting as the embodiment of a larger power. Most critics see Friend as a dark entity, often the devil himself. Joyce Wegs claims that “[Arnold] is not simply crazy but a criminal with plans to rape and probably murder Connie” (Wegs n.p.). Marie Urbanski argues that “[Friend’s] features appear … ominous [, as he has] slitted eyes ‘like chips of broken glass’ … ”
Where Are You Going Where Have You Been Character Analysis Essay
555 Words | 3 PagesJoyce Carol Oates’ story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” includes several aspects that could easily be analyzed and interpreted in different ways. One of the most important and perhaps more obvious aspects is Oates’ character Connie. Connie’s home life, safe place, and epiphany moment are all key components to understanding the story and its meaning. Connie’s home life is the first angle that is important to the story. Fifteen- year- old Connie is a rebellious teen who does not get along with her family.
Arnold Friend Theme
413 Words | 2 PagesJoyce Carol Oates dedicated “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” to Bob Dylan, because Carol has claimed that the story was influenced by Dylan’s haunting song “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue.” The story contains a reflection of the song’s lyrics, such as the following: “The vagabond who’s rapping at your door / Is standing in the clothes that you once wore / Strike another match, go start anew / And it’s all over now, Baby Blue.” Dylan himself is mirrored in the figure of Arnold Friend. Dylan and Arnold are the same but more significant is how each man is perceived.
Arnold Friend In Where Are You Going Where Have You Been
446 Words | 2 PagesAnalysis of Joyce Carol Oates’ “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” Joyce Carol Oates writes a gripping tale of terror about a young girl named Connie, who is faced with the dark and twisted hands of fate. Connie is a young teen, like many girls, self-absorbed and seeks self-value in the eyes of others. In her outings with friends, she comes across a man by the name of Arnold Friend. Oates lets the reader know immediately that there is something disturbing about this character.
Tom Petty's 'Into The Great Wide Open'
458 Words | 2 PagesFinally, Petty’s description of Eddie’s rise and fall is realistic. He left home after high school. A lot of kids want to leave home after high school. He met people that became friends.
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397 Words | 2 PagesHe is able to revisit moments from his childhood, his time in the war, and even his time as an amusement park maintenance worker. Each of these moments provides a new perspective on his life and the people in it. For example, Eddie
Analysis Of Where Are You Going Where Have You Been
1181 Words | 5 PagesThe short story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” was written by the author Joyce Carol Oates in 1966. Oates describes her idea for the story after briefly reading an article about the real-life murderer, Charles Schmid, who lured and murdered three teenage girls (Kirszner & Mandell 523). She uses this idea to create the character, Arnold Friend, and his victim, Connie. Connie is a typical teenage girl portrayed as naïve and self-centered. The short story appears realistic, given that the conflict in the story is based off of real events.
Archetypes In Where Are You Going Where Have You Been
1428 Words | 6 PagesHome is where the heart is, but what if home is no longer safe? Joyce Carol Oates explores this concept in her 1966 short story, “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been”. On surface level, this story appears to discuss a rebellious young girl named Connie and her confrontation with Arnold Friend, a stalker. The ending leaves the reader to assume that Arnold Friend plans to sexually assault the young girl.
Symbolism In 'Where Are You Going Where Have You Been?'
700 Words | 3 PagesIn the coming of age story “Where Are You Going Where Have You Been?” Joyce Carol Oates uses symbolism, conflict, and the third person to foreshadow fifteen-year-old Connie’s unfortunate, yet untimely fate. While one may think that the conflict stems from Connie’s promiscuity, it is clear to see her promiscuity is only a result to a much bigger conflict, her mother’s constant nagging and disapproval, alongside the lack of attention from her father. the author paints a vivid picture of what happens when a fifteen-year-old girl such as Connie goes elsewhere to find to find the love, attention, and approval that she lacks at home. All which is vital for her growth and wellbeing as a person.
Where Are You Going Where Have You Been Arnold Friend Character Analysis
1202 Words | 5 PagesThe short story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” written by Joyce Carol Oates, is about the main character Connie and her life. Connie is self-centered, preoccupied with her looks to attract boys. She despises her parents and wishes that she could escape from her family. Freedom and men are what she desires most but sadly, sometimes people are not careful for what they wish for. Arnold Friend is an evil and a physical manifestation
Similarities Between Young Goodman Brown And Where Are You Going Where Have You Been
682 Words | 3 PagesThe Devil can be beautiful, after all, he was God’s favorite. Looks can be immensely deceiving, even the Bible has many verses about how not everything is really what it seems to be, such as, 1 John 4:1, Matthew 24:4, 2 Corinthians 11:14, and the ever so famous, Genesis 3:4. A warning that can be seen in both, “Young Goodman Brown,” by Nathaniel Hawthorne and “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Joyce Carol Oates, is that not everything that is charming is impeachable. “No wonder, for even Satan masquerades himself as an angel of light,” 2 Corinthians 11: 14.
Literary Devices In Where Are You Going Where Have You Been
804 Words | 4 PagesIn her short story "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?", Joyce Carol Oates utilizes a variety of literary devices to strengthen the story in its entirety. This short story is essentially about a 16-year-old girl named Connie and the conflict between her desire to be mature and her desire to remain an adolescent. Throughout the story, the audience sees this conflict through her words in addition to through her behavior. The audience is also introduced to Arnold Friend, a rather peculiar man, who essentially kidnaps her. This short story by Joyce Carol Oates functions and is additionally meaningful because of her usage of literary devices.
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