Where Are You Going Where Have You Been Good Or Evil

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Theme of Evil overcoming Good
The theme of good versus evil is widely shared in writing and conversations since the early times. Early philosophers employed this idea to discuss the difference between individuals and actions that were considered either moral or immoral. The theme has since become famous in writing. In such writings, authors juxtapose two characters in the story to represent the two sides, good and evil. In the piece “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” Oates the characters Connie and Arnold Friend are constructed to show the theme of good versus evil. Additionally, the characters develop with the story to show whether good or evil would win in the conflict.
The author uses the character, Connie – a fifteen-year-old girl, is used in the story to represent the good in the world. On …show more content…
The first time Connie meets Arnold, it becomes clear that there was danger ahead for her. Despite not having met her, Arnold threatens Connie, amidst a creepy smile, telling her to that he would be getting her. The threat foreshadows the conflict that happens later between Connie and Arnold. Various instances portray Arnold’s evil motives towards Connie. For example, he shows up at Connie’s house uninvited when her family left for a barbecue. Though she initially flirted with Arnold openly, the situation becomes disturbing to her. Moreover, Arnold learns about Connie without revealing any of his information (485). Arnold seems to be pursuing anonymity, which is a characteristic of a person who means some harm. It is quite interesting that Arnold could list down all Conies friends and family. The fact that he even knows that his family had left for a barbecue at Connie’s aunt house is quite suggestive of some ill play. All these instances and the language are aimed to threaten Connie, which is characteristic of an evil person