Ashley Erickson

Carter 6B
1 November 2014

Literary Analysis of:

Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been? by Joyce Carol Oates
Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been? is a short story that revolves around a
peculiar incident with the young, beautiful pre-teen, Connie, who searches for love and
attention, and believing she can reach these through a lustful, physically appealing physique.
She enjoys having the desire of men, living two lives; one at home and one with her friends.
In her attempt to achieve her vision of womanhood, which is ideally the attainment of what her
imagination defines as romantic love, Connie instead places herself in the role of passive victim
at the hands of a much older man, Arnold Friend.
For plot and structure, Oates uses a hamburger restaurant as the first setting, a typical
location where teenagers would gather. This is where Connie first comes into contact with
Arnold at. Connie was supposed to be seeing a movie that night with her two closest friends,
but then bailed before in order to go hang out with the older kids, where she strived for
popularity, or just the thought of being noticed. This was a small, but sure example of sin. This
is where Oates first reveals Connies naivet and curiosity to the reader. The second setting is
at Connies house, which Arnold arrives uninvited after Connies family leaves to a barbeque.
Characterization in this story is based off of a more biblical standpoint. Connie
symbolizes a weak, defenseless sheep that has gone astray from true morality, causing her to
become defenseless against the tempters actions and words. Arnold Friend symbolizes the

Ashley Erickson
Carter 6B
1 November 2014

devil in this short story; showing his intentions of impurity, selfishness, and cruelty. He uses
specific tactics in order to try and persuade Connie into coming out of her house when he
arrives out of nowhere. As confused as well as scared as she was, a part of her enjoyed it; this
can be taken from the fact that she stood by the screen porch door the entire time talking to
him. He tempts her with compliments, all which related to her physical appearance, he
tempted her with ideas such as how well he promised to treat her, how much he would
love her, and so on.
Symbolism and allegory play key roles in this short story; serving both biblically as well
as spiritually. It is an allegory of vulnerability and lost innocence. A prime symbol in this story is
Arnolds automobile, which Connie at first claims to be bright, and expresses confusion about
what is written on the front fender, Man of Flying Saucers. Although Arnold states that he is
the same age as her, she feels that he is not being entirely honest. Arnold uses his car as a
symbol to show Connie a new haven, or a new life in which he wants to take her to. It depicts
nothing but a dark, mysterious characteristic about him.
The point of view in which this story is told third person; which allows the reader to see
it from an outside perspective. Although Connies thoughts and feelings are described
throughout it, it is not told specifically through her nor Arnold. Oates uses this point of view to
demonstrate a clear picture of what was going on, how Connie was going to react to the
situation, as well as why she would act in that particular manner. It helps those who read it
interpret it better, or be able to place themselves in Connies misfortunate shoes.

Ashley Erickson
Carter 6B
1 November 2014

The theme in this short story is fantasy versus reality, or in more detailed terms, the
abandonment of a young ones fantasy for the reality of becoming a mature woman. Connie
desires attention from boys, thus explaining her sexual persona through her behavior as well as
style, hair, etc. She uses these to try to convince her into becoming a woman at such a young
age. She is not entirely ready for adulthood, and she is well aware, but then comes Arnold who
practically forces this uncertainty on her through what he tempts her with.