A Thematic Analysis Of 'Where Is Here' By Joyce Carol Oats

Caleb Brewer English 3 “Where is Here” Mr. Yoder In Where is Here by Joyce Carol Oats, there are many different ideas that are all uniquely different, but perhaps none more unique than the idea of “infinity” that Oats displays within the story. There are three main figures in the story that are used to express infinity. The house, the family, and the drawing that the stranger drew for the son. Oats utilize these items to express an interesting idea to the reader such as to enable them to draw their own conclusions about what they could mean, and how they shape a very peculiar answer to what actually happens within the house. When the stranger comes into the house and begins looking around; he points out a few characteristics of the house that …show more content…
The drawing is described as a square with multiple triangles inside it without coinciding points that, when looked at, seems to continue on forever and ever. Oats put this portion of the story after we learn about the similarities amongst the families, but before the spot returns on the wall above the fireplace. She is giving the reader a small hint of what has already happened and what will happen later in the story. It represents that no matter who lives in this house, it will always be the exact same as when the stranger and his family lived there and that the pattern will continue on for all time. Where is Here is a very interesting story that is very descriptive, yet extremely vague when read. It allows the reader to draw their own conclusions about the multiple ideas that Joyce Carol Oats have placed throughout the story. “Infinity”, although a unique topic, is just one of many ideas that is portrayed within this piece of writing. It gives many different conclusions about what may actually be happening amongst the people who live in the house, and what could have possibly happened to the family who first lived