Analysis Of The Story 'Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been'

The feminist lens allows the reader to examine the short story; Where are you Going, Where Have You Been by Carol Oates, with an educated and more insightful view that when understood, inadvertently exposes how present patriarchal and misogynistic ideologies exist within men. A prominent issue within a traditional society is man’s expectation for a woman’s only goal being to satisfy and please a man. This is demonstrated in full force when Arnold Friend condescendingly says; “Be nice to me, be sweet like you can because what else is there for a girl like you but to be sweet and pretty and give in?” (Oates 9). The way Arnold condescends and truly believes in what he says is problematic. Arnold is belittling Connie by telling her she has no purpose

The problem lies here in that Arnold, as a man, recognizes Connie less as a human, and more as a toy for him to play with. This is common in many men with misogynistic ideologies, wherein it is believed that a woman’s goal is only to be beautiful. This leads to a large issue, where women who are not ‘beautiful enough’ for the patriarchal society, are treated as lesser, and are not given the same treatment as women who are. Arnold is clearly a manipulative person, who is able to talk to someone who he feels is lesser than him with confidence. When Connie eventually ‘gives in’ and goes with Arnold, this provides him with a power trip that will eventually lead to the repetition of this cycle of abuse. To add to this, the reader does not know in confidence that Arnold is a real person, rather that he is a symbol. Arnold is the embodiment of the manipulation of innocent young women. Aside from the power trip Arnold is given, when examining his choice of words, lots of stereotyping is

I'm your lover, honey." (Oates 6). Arnold says this assertively, almost as if he is confident enough that Connie is under his manipulation, and will listen to his every command. This feeds into Arnold’s ego and power trip, giving him the idea that he is the one in control. When examining Arnold’s words closely, one begins to notice the vague misogyny, such as Arnold stating to Connie that ‘you’re my date, [and he is her] lover, honey’. His statement demonstrates a clear sense of ownership over Connie, as he objectifies her as his date and not a woman with the ability to make her own decisions. This highlights the patriarchal ideology of such men, who cannot see women as able to make their own decisions, rather as objects for a man to satisfy himself. Arnold’s manipulation techniques are also shown in display when he uses terms such as ‘lover’ and ‘honey’. By doing so, Arnold tries to force an emotional connection between the two, as if he calls Connie these terms of endearment, she has no choice but to believe she is his ‘lover’, ultimately giving Arnold the power trip and dominance he searches for within Connie. To conclude, as one reads the short story Where are you Going, Where Have you