Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been by Joyce Carol Oates: A Masterpiece in Disguise
Danette Willis
June 15, 2013
English 11238A
A Masterpiece in Disguise
The first line of Oates literary work “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been” indicates that the conclusion to Connie’s existence may have come to a terrible end.
In the short story, “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been” written by Joyce Carol Oates, the story takes you on a journey through the eyes of a helpless girl, who, as shown by the three opening words, came to a very unfortunate collapse. This particular literary work is not only captivating in the way that it is able to clench and firmly hold the reader’s attention, but also has endless references to popular fables of and before our time. Citing only a few, “Where Have You Been, Where Are You Going” not only makes references to Little Red Riding Hood, The Three Little Pigs, and Death and a Maiden, but it also has endless references to the Bible in its depiction of evil and Satan. (Schoomp) The literary works main character Connie is an alluring teenager living in a world of neglect and is easily fooled by someone who she was probably attracted to in the beginning. Connie had somewhat of a slight abnormal obsession with her appearance, and the mirror was in fact her best friend. Oates gives endless homage to the teenage lifestyle during this time. The 1960’s, sexuality, outer appearance, drive-in hangouts, and the post war atmosphere was a major influence on teens. (Oates)
During the beginning of the story, we learn that Connie’s hair is in fact blonde. Coincidentally, another similarity to that of the fairytale character Little Red Riding Hood. Little Red Riding Hood is tricked by the villain in her story just like Connie, and when she learns of the villain’s schemes and trickery, it is ultimately too late. This story, like that of “Where Are You Going Where Have You Been” also comes to a bad conclusion, because Red Riding Hood is thus eaten, and very clear hints are given that Connie might be raped and killed. The way
June 15, 2013
English 11238A
A Masterpiece in Disguise
The first line of Oates literary work “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been” indicates that the conclusion to Connie’s existence may have come to a terrible end.
In the short story, “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been” written by Joyce Carol Oates, the story takes you on a journey through the eyes of a helpless girl, who, as shown by the three opening words, came to a very unfortunate collapse. This particular literary work is not only captivating in the way that it is able to clench and firmly hold the reader’s attention, but also has endless references to popular fables of and before our time. Citing only a few, “Where Have You Been, Where Are You Going” not only makes references to Little Red Riding Hood, The Three Little Pigs, and Death and a Maiden, but it also has endless references to the Bible in its depiction of evil and Satan. (Schoomp) The literary works main character Connie is an alluring teenager living in a world of neglect and is easily fooled by someone who she was probably attracted to in the beginning. Connie had somewhat of a slight abnormal obsession with her appearance, and the mirror was in fact her best friend. Oates gives endless homage to the teenage lifestyle during this time. The 1960’s, sexuality, outer appearance, drive-in hangouts, and the post war atmosphere was a major influence on teens. (Oates)
During the beginning of the story, we learn that Connie’s hair is in fact blonde. Coincidentally, another similarity to that of the fairytale character Little Red Riding Hood. Little Red Riding Hood is tricked by the villain in her story just like Connie, and when she learns of the villain’s schemes and trickery, it is ultimately too late. This story, like that of “Where Are You Going Where Have You Been” also comes to a bad conclusion, because Red Riding Hood is thus eaten, and very clear hints are given that Connie might be raped and killed. The way
Cited: Hall, Marcus. "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" SparkNotes. SparkNotes, 10 Mar. 2010. Web. 15 June 2013. Oates, Joyce C. "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" Enotes.com. Enotes.com, 10 Jan. 1970. Web. 15 June 2013. Webb, Catherin U. "Where Are You Going Where Have You Been." N.p., 5 Oct. 1992. Web. 15 June 2013.