Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been by Joyce Carol Oates meaning?
In the 1960s, when Oates wrote “Where Are You Going . . . ,” a social revolution was happening. American women were asserting their rights and independence from men, and they were claiming their sexuality in a way they had never done before.
What is the main idea of Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?
The main theme in this short story is the conflict between fantasy and reality. One of the main characters in this short story is Connie. She tries very hard to create an adult persona. Connie uses her attitude and appearance to attract boys.
Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been by Joyce Carol Oates characters?
Character List
- Connie. The fifteen-year-old protagonist of the story. Connie is in the midst of an adolescent rebellion.
- Arnold Friend. A dangerous figure who comes to Connie’s house and threatens her.
- Ellie. A friend of Arnold’s.
- Connie’s Mother. A near-constant source of frustration for Connie.
- June. Connie’s older sister.
Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been loss of innocence?
Oates wrote the short story called “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been,” to show the horrors of a girl who lost her innocent in the most tragic of ways. This was because of the struggles and fluctuations of society that shaped Connie into the girl she was.
Why is Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been dedicated to Bob Dylan?
It was inspired by three Tucson, Arizona murders committed by Charles Schmid, which were profiled in Life magazine in an article written by Don Moser on March 4, 1966. Oates said that she dedicated the story to Bob Dylan because she was inspired to write it after listening to his song “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue”.
Why does Connie go with Arnold and Ellie?
Due to her insecurity and low self-esteem, Connie is just gullible enough to believe that it really is “all over for [her] here.” She is willing to go with Arnold Friend not because she actually wants to, but because she thinks he is right; Connie has nothing keeping her, not her friends, her family, or any of the …
What happens to Connie at the end of the story?
Many critics assume that Connie is indeed to die, but only after she rides away with Arnold and Ellie who will rape and murder her. However, much about the story suggests that Connie’s death is a process that begins prior to Arnold’s arrival at the house.
Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been symbolism of Connie’s name?
Many critics have interpreted Arnold Friend as a symbol of some larger idea or force, such as the devil, death, or sexuality. Connie, also, has been said to represent many things: Eve, troubled youth, or spiritually unenlightened humanity.
What does the theme loss of innocence mean?
A “loss of innocence” is a common theme in fiction, pop culture, and realism. It is often seen as an integral part of coming of age. It is usually thought of as an experience or period in a person’s life that leads to a greater awareness of evil, pain and/or suffering in the world around them.
What would the numbers on Arnold’s car 33 19 17 represent?
But how do we get to Judges 19:17 from the numbers painted on the side of Arnold’s car. Robson suggests counting backwards 33 books from the start of the New Testament. This would place the reader at Judges. The last two numbers, of course, refer to the chapter and verse.