Analysis Of 'Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?'

Analysis: Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?
And he lifted up his eyes and saw the traveler in the open square of the city. And the old man said, “Where are you going? And where do you come from?” (Judges 19:17). Joyce Carol Oates wrote this story in 1966 by. Her fabulous short story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been” begins with a reference to the main character’s vanity. A compulsive habit of checking her reflection in mirrors to ensure she is better looking than others around her. This story is riddled with symbolism, for example; What does Arnold Friend represent? What does Connie represent? What is the connection with the parents? And, How does Arnold Friend know what the parents are doing? On the surface, it’s a story about a beautiful popular girl that is kidnaped by a devil of a man and his friend. This story explores the idea of lost innocence with Connie the beautiful young fifteen years old, innocent and Arnold Friend the Devil . …show more content…
She is captivated by the culture of the time she lives in. Connie’s self-absorption is the distinctive characteristic of teenagers, both then and now. The author does not condemn Connie for her vanity, nor does she condone the antagonist Author Friend’ devilish actions; however, there seems to be an impression that in some small part the Connie deserved her just reward. Connie defiantly cultivated her persona. The way she dresses, the way she carries herself in front of males, how she talks and feels about her family members is all a deliberate action. There are two distinct personas, one away from home and the other in front of her