Symbolism In Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?

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The short story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Joyce Carol Oates is about a teenage girl, Connie, and her merge into adulthood. Until something almost unthinkable happens. She is confronted by an older boy at her home who gives her a crucial decision to make, save herself or her family. Joyce Carol Oates uses the fictional elements of symbolism, characters and conflict to create a theme of loss of innocence in her short story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” Symbolism plays a big role in the themes of many stories. In “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” it is a popular theory with my sources that Connie is in a dream during her encounter with the unspeakable Arnold Friend. Votteler suggests that from …show more content…

Connie is the focal point. At 15 she is merging into adulthood and exploring the dating world. Votteler believes she has a split identity, one is sexual and enticing around her friends and boys, the other is safe and proper around her family. “She is caught between her role as a daughter, friend, sister, and object of sexual desire, uncertain of which one represents the real her.” (Wilson 261). Wilson also believes that Connie likes the idea of a boyfriend but she’s no where near ready for one. When Arnold Friends invites the idea of sexual intentions she yells, covers her ears and runs in the house (Voteller 239). Arnold Friend on the other hand is really a potential rapist or murderer (Wilson). He pretends to be younger with his nice car, charming disposition, and his tepid clothes. When in real life he is wearing make up to cover is aging face. Wilson believes Arnold Friend uses his “psychological manipulation” and his mysterious mixture of violence and romance to attract Connie. Due to her newfound attraction for boys Connie is totally vulnerable to Arnold Friend’s tactics. Both Votteler and Wilson agree on the trending theory that Arnold Friend is really the devil. Wilson explains that he comes when she is most vulnerable, alone and at an adolescent state. Wilson also points out that Connie mentions Arnold Friend is walking as though he stuffed his boots to make

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