Where Are You Going Where Have You Been Feminist Analysis

Feminism is a movement that seeks to achieve equality and respect for women in all parts of life: politically, economically, and socially. The 1960’s were a time period when American women were restricted in almost every aspect of life and as a result several feminist movements occurred encouraging women to support the cause. In Joyce Carol Oates’ short story, Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been? the author illustrates that during this time period women were disrespected and looked down upon, this creates a feminist work by demonstrating that women should fight back and demand to be treated with respect. Throughout the story, Oates’ develops Arnold Friend’s character as a disrespectful man who objectifies women. Arnold Friend is an appalling man who views females as people who can be taken advantage of. During his initial encounter with Connie at her house, Arnold uses Connie's weakness of being desperate for male attention to convince her to join him in his car and “spoke in a simple lifting voice, exactly as if he were reciting the word to a song” (Oates 5). Arnold speaks to Connie in a soft tone to make her feel comfortable and safe around him. He knows exactly how to talk to her in order to get what he wants implying that he has probably used this tone of voice several times …show more content…
This interpretation is crucial since this story was published in 1966 and during the 1960s through 1970s several feminist movements took place in order to gain woman's rights and equality, both on a political and personal level. Joyce Carol Oates wrote this story to make women realize how they should be treated with respect and not be looked down on and encourage them to support the feminist movements that took place during this time