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

In Joyce Carol Oates’s short story, “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” (1966), Connie is an adolescent that faces literal and psychological challenges. Within the conflicts of the story, there are two compelling questions that allow you to take a special interest of a deeper meaning. Taken from the title, where has Connie been? Where is Connie going? In a surprising twist, the story is not only about a naïve girl that gets lured out of her home by an older gentleman, but can also be taken as a symbolization of the transition from childhood into the harsh realities of adulthood.
In a literal sense, where Connie has been is not a difficult question to answer, but if you look into the symbolization of the story you will realize that Connie has been in her childhood. When considering Connie’s childhood, you start to make an observation on how she was treated by her parents and how that has built Connie up to make the mistake of going with Arnold Friend. Connie’s mother is quite cruel to Connie and makes sure June, Connie’s sister, is the only child getting positive
One can only assume that Arnold Friend takes advantage of Connie and takes her innocence from her, thus, bringing her into the harsh realities of adulthood. The story shows how sexual desires can have serious consequences much like adulthood and having to make sacrifices. Connie takes a sacrifice to cross through the screen door to protect her family proving she is moving into adulthood. Her transition is over once she reaches this milestone, but Connie will still have to face her psychological issues as she goes on this new journey. Although Connie could almost be described as a new person, she will still carry some similar behaviors and traits passed down from her childhood. She will still try and fulfill her childhood desires in a way that is acceptable in society