Where Are You Going Where Have You Been Literary Analysis Essay

“Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” Literary Analysis The story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” Is about a 15 year old lass who spends all her time with friends down at the local drive in. The story,written by Joyce Carol Oates, is a short story about psychological realism. Joyce Carol Oates is one of the most well-known writers of our time. Of all the novels she has published, Oates’ “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?”, has held some of the world’s biggest controversies. These theories, the theory of free will, for example, contains variations in themes of setting, characterization, and plot. Characterization played a huge role in the story by helping develop the character Connie and her ambition for freedom inside her life. “Her name was Connie… “stop gawking at yourself. Who are you? You think you’re so pretty?”” (Oates 1). This example was the beginning of Connie’s free will type of character. She knew she could use her beauty to get what she aspires for, and can use those looks to get people to buy her meals, for an instance. Connie used locations and clothing to show her interest in her fantasies but also her act of freedom. “They must have been familiar sights… walking around the shopping plaza in their shorts and flat ballerina slippers…” (Oates 1). The story makes the girls appearances feel as if

In “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” Connie’s taste in music is one of her ties to an imaginary place, where she can be herself and feel like a free spirit or person. This part of her character is important to the plot in which she resides around. Repeatedly, at the diner she listened to music, at home, she listened to this same music, with her friends she listened to it, and in other places as well. This music she listens to, plays an unfortunate role in her demise in her encounter with Arnold Friend, and a huge part in the plot further on in the short