Joyce Carol Oates' "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been

A detailed Summary of Joyce Carol Oates' "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been

Joyce Carol Oates' "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" tells us about the life of Connie who has no guidance in life, because her family has not provided any moral support to help through her teenage life. She only knows about popular culture and not the consequences that comes with it. Without proper direction to face problems, Connie is confronted by Arnold Friend who has a plan to do some grotesque things to her. This encounter between them causes a power struggle between them that provides Connie downfall toward potential death. Arnold's proclaimed supernatural ability controls and manipulates Connie's mind and spirituality to strip her of any dignity that exists within.

Arnold had "a special interest in Connie" to carry his deed in taking her soul or something from her (619). He has knowledge about everything Connie is involved,

because he has devil like qualities to take control of her destiny. A lack of experience to face problems or people like Arnold can affect the thought process into making a logical decision therefore doing things without knowing what will happen at the end. Arnold's presence provides a dominant feeling to Connie who does not know Arnold's intentions. He takes advantage of pop culture to find out how to get to her though music, clothes, and boys. Arnold was somewhat outdated to the time, but he was still close enough to trick Connie into thinking he was a teenage.

Connie can not possibly be prepared for what Arnold has in store for her, since she was not properly taught about having morals. The family did not have any strong ties with each other to protect Connie from any harm. She decided to "stay home alone" to avoid any conflicts with he

Some common words found in the essay are:
Arnold Connie, Arnold Friend, Connie Arnold's, Oates' Where, Connie Arnold, arnold connie, culture music, popular culture,

Approximate Word count = 570
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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