Where Are You Going Where Have You Been Summary

Oates's story, “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?”, is related to Bob Dylan and influenced by his song. The lyrics include, “The vagabond who’s rapping at your door is standing in the clothes that you once wore, strike another match, go start anew, and it’s all over now, Baby Blue." Just like the song, Arnold took Connie away, and she was scared to defy him. In the story, Connie also recognizes Arnold’s voice that sounds like the voice of the radio DJ, Bobby King, which is connected to Bob Dylan. The story also takes place in the 1960s, which Oates had done purposely because it was during a social revolution were women were fighting for their rights and independence from men.

Oates's story was inspired by the actions of a serial killer in Tucson, Arizona in the mid-1960's who seduced, raped, and took young girls, which influenced some of the details in the story, specifically with Arnold's character who came to seduce and take Connie from her house. An example of a fairy tale that I connected this with was "Three Little Pigs," where the Big Bad Wolf came to the

From the first time he saw Connie and told her, "Gonna get you, baby," he already seemed strange. He seems to have mental problems and looks disheveled with his hair and the rest of his appearance. He wears mirrored sunglasses to hide his eyes and talks calmly, which is weird because it doesn't match his appearance. When he goes to Connie's house, he tries to seduce her to get in his car, and when she wouldn't some, he starts to make threats, which shows his true character. He puts fear in Connie, threatening her that he was going to do something to her family. At the end, Connie goes with Arnold because she fears him and his threats. She was stunted with Arnold' demanding figure, but at the same time, it can be inferred as well that she came with him because she was also fascinated by his presence. Connie has been seeking independence, often fighting with her