What is the message of Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?

What is the message of Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?

The main themes of “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” are appearance versus reality, the embodiment of evil, and self-sacrifice. Appearance vs. reality: Both Connie and Arnold have two-sided natures, presenting an appealing self when necessary and withholding another.

What is the meaning of Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?

The short story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Joyce Carol Oates can be interpreted from a feminist perspective. There are many parts of the story that seem to symbolize the oppression of women. The story symbolizes the exploitation of women by men, and how women allow themselves to be controlled.

Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been true story?

Joyce Carol Oates based “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” on a true story of rape and murder in Tucson, Arizona, in 1965. Charles Schmid, a twenty-three-year-old man, was arrested for the rapes and murders of several teenage girls.

Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been ending?

What happened to Connie at the end of Where Are You Going Where have you been by Joyce Carol Oates? Connie is compelled to leave with him and do what he demands of her. The story ends as Connie leaves her front porch; her eventual fate is left ambiguous.”

Who is Arnold Friend based on?

Oates has described how she based the character of Arnold Friend on the real life serial killer, Charles Schmid, who also wore makeup and stuffed his boots in order to alter his appearance, and was known for preying on teenage girls—taking three of their lives in Tuscon, Arizona the 1960s.

Why does Oates dedicate Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been to Bob Dylan?

“Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” is a frequently anthologized short story written by Joyce Carol Oates. 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”. The story was originally named “Death and the Maiden”.

How does Arnold Friend manipulate Connie?

Friend seems to know that he can control Connie with his words: if she simply listens to him for long enough, the desired effect will take hold. Friend’s use of manipulative language makes her believe she not only has no other option than to go with him, but that she has chosen to go with him.

Why do you think that Connie gives in to Arnold explain?

Connie knows that if she gives in to Friend’s demands, she saves the rest of her family from Friend’s threats. In Oates’ “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been,” Connie submits to Arnold because she fears for her family’s safety. For majority of the story, Connie had shown a level of disdain for her family.

Why is Arnold Friend’s car gold?

Arnold Friend’s flashy gold car, with its outdated phrases written on the sides, is an extension of Arnold himself: extreme and not entirely right. The car gives Connie her first clues that there might be something wrong with or dangerous about Arnold.

What does Arnold Friend do to Connie?

These are all parts of his attempt to manipulate Connie into coming out of her house so that he can abduct her and, it is implied, rape and murder her.