What is the theme 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 does the music symbolize in where are you going?
From the outset of the story, music symbolizes Connie’s inner life, specifically the pleasure she takes in romantic relationships and romantic ideals themselves. In this way, the symbol of music represents not only Connie’s inner life and pleasure, but also Friend’s violent sexual desire and evil intentions.
Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been by Joyce Carol Oates meaning?
It was inspired by three Tucson, Arizona murders committed by Charles Schmid, which were profiled in Life magazine in an article written by Don Moser on March 4, 1966. 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”.
Is Connie dreaming in where are you going?
In Joyce Carol Oates’s “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” the reader can conclude that this story is Connie’s realistic dream. Connie’s familiar reaction to Arnold Friend and her “home” are evidence that this encounter is a dream. Oates, Joyce Carol.
What do the numbers 33 19 17 mean?
When Connie asks him what the stuff painted on his car means, Arnold goes through the various sayings and eventually comes to the numbers 33,19, 17. Harold Hurley posits that the numbers carry a sexual connotations because when added together they equal 69, a sexual position.
Why does Connie leave with Arnold Friend?
This fear, this defense that Connie has developed, is another reason that she ends up with Arnold Friend in the end. Her insecurity, her low self-esteem, and her fear of intimacy all aid her in her unconscious decision to leave her house and go with the devious Arnold Friend in his gold convertible jalopy.
Why did Connie go with Arnold friend?
Connie’s fear of intimacy leads her to retreat emotionally even from the person she should be the closest to: her mother. Her insecurity, her low self-esteem, and her fear of intimacy all aid her in her unconscious decision to leave her house and go with the devious Arnold Friend in his gold convertible jalopy.
What does Arnold friend’s car symbolize?
Arnold’s Car 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. Once Arnold’s true, violent nature comes through, the car becomes a symbol of all that is dark and ominous about his character.
Why did Joyce Carol Oates write where are you going?
Joyce Carol Oates dedicated “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” to Bob Dylan, and she has claimed that the story was influenced by Dylan’s haunting song “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue.”
Who wrote where are you going?
“Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” is a frequently anthologized short story written by Joyce Carol Oates. The story first appeared in the Fall 1966 edition of Epoch magazine . It was inspired by three Tucson, Arizona murders committed by Charles Schmid , which were profiled in Life magazine in an article written by Don Moser on March 4, 1966.
Where are you going, where have you been theme LitCharts?
Themes LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
When does where are you going where have you been take place?
But the sense of sweeping, dramatic change taking place in 1960s America is evident in this story, from the period details to Connie’s psychological terror at what lies ahead.