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Symbolism in “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been”
Joyce Carol Oates’ short story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been” is a haunting tale of a teenage girl named Connie who is lured away from her home by a mysterious man named Arnold Friend. The story is full of symbolism that adds depth and meaning to the narrative.
The Music
One of the most prominent symbols in the story is the music that Connie listens to. The music represents her desire for freedom and escape from her mundane life. She listens to it constantly, and it is a source of comfort and excitement for her. However, the music also represents danger and temptation. When Arnold Friend arrives, he uses the music to lure Connie out of her house and into his car.
The Car
The car that Arnold Friend drives is another important symbol in the story. It represents his power and control over Connie. The car is described as “shiny and bright” and “big enough for a group of people.” This suggests that Arnold Friend has the ability to take Connie away from her life and into a world of his choosing.
The Numbers
The numbers that Arnold Friend uses to intimidate Connie are also symbolic. He repeatedly tells her that he knows her address and her family’s whereabouts, and he uses the numbers “33, 19, and 17” to represent her age and the ages of her family members. These numbers are significant because they represent the transition from childhood to adulthood. Arnold Friend is trying to force Connie to grow up too quickly and leave behind her innocence.
The Ending
The ending of the story is perhaps the most symbolic of all. Connie’s decision to go with Arnold Friend represents her surrender to temptation and her loss of innocence. The fact that she leaves her family behind and goes with him willingly suggests that she has made a choice to embrace adulthood and all of its dangers.
Conclusion
“Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been” is a powerful story that uses symbolism to explore the themes of temptation, danger, and the loss of innocence. The music, the car, the numbers, and the ending all work together to create a haunting and unforgettable narrative.
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1.Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been? Symbols – LitCharts
- Author: Where
- Publish: 19 days ago
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Rating: 3
(1397 Rating)
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Highest rating: 5
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Lowest rating: 1
- Descriptions: From the outset of the story, music symbolizes Connie’s inner life, specifically the pleasure she takes in romantic relationships and romantic ideals themselves …
- More : From the outset of the story, music symbolizes Connie’s inner life, specifically the pleasure she takes in romantic relationships and romantic ideals themselves …
- Source : https://www.litcharts.com/lit/where-are-you-going-where-have-you-been/symbols
(1397 Rating)
2.Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been? Symbolism, Imagery …
- Author: Where
- Publish: 13 days ago
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Rating: 2(1416 Rating)
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Highest rating: 3
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Lowest rating: 2
- Descriptions: “[The] story is clearly an allegory of the fatal attractions of death (or the devil),” Oates explains. “An innocent young girl is seduced by way of her own …
- More : “[The] story is clearly an allegory of the fatal attractions of death (or the devil),” Oates explains. “An innocent young girl is seduced by way of her own …
- Source : https://www.shmoop.com/study-guides/literature/where-you-going-where-you-been/analysis/symbolism-imagery-allegory
3.Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?: Symbols | SparkNotes
- Author: Where
- Publish: 5 days ago
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Rating: 3(1523 Rating)
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Highest rating: 4
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Lowest rating: 1
- Descriptions: Once Arnold’s true, violent nature comes through, the car becomes a symbol of all that is dark and ominous about his character. Study Guide: Red, White, and …
- More : Once Arnold’s true, violent nature comes through, the car becomes a symbol of all that is dark and ominous about his character. Study Guide: Red, White, and …
- Source : https://www.sparknotes.com/short-stories/where-are-you-going-where-have-you-been/symbols/
4.Symbolism In ‘Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?’ | ipl.org
- Author: Symbolism
- Publish: 26 days ago
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Rating: 2(372 Rating)
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Highest rating: 5
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Lowest rating: 3
- Descriptions: In “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been,” Joyce Oates portrays Connie as obsessed with men to symbolize how one’s obsession and narcissistic attitude can …
- More : In “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been,” Joyce Oates portrays Connie as obsessed with men to symbolize how one’s obsession and narcissistic attitude can …
- Source : https://www.ipl.org/essay/Symbolism-In-Where-Are-You-Going-Where-FCZX27JDAB
5.Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been? Symbols, Allegory …
- Author: Where
- Publish: 5 days ago
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Rating: 4(486 Rating)
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Highest rating: 5
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Lowest rating: 2
- Descriptions:
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- Source : https://www.gradesaver.com/where-are-you-going-where-have-you-been/study-guide/symbols-allegory-motifs
6.Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been? Symbols
- Author: Where
- Publish: 22 days ago
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Rating: 4(833 Rating)
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Highest rating: 4
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Lowest rating: 2
- Descriptions:
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- Source : https://www.coursehero.com/lit/Where-Are-You-Going-Where-Have-You-Been/symbols/
7.Symbolism In Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been
- Author: Symbolism
- Publish: 14 days ago
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Rating: 5(1297 Rating)
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Highest rating: 3
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Lowest rating: 1
- Descriptions: Written by Joyce Carol Oates, the short story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” describes the condition and consequence of a family whose child is …
- More : Written by Joyce Carol Oates, the short story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” describes the condition and consequence of a family whose child is …
- Source : https://www.bartleby.com/essay/Symbolism-In-Where-Are-You-Going-Where-FCDTNXP2R
8.Key Symbols in Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?
- Author: Key
- Publish: 22 days ago
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Rating: 3(440 Rating)
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Highest rating: 5
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Lowest rating: 3
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- Source : https://marinavasquezblog.wordpress.com/2016/02/04/key-symbols-in-where-are-you-going-where-have-you-been/
9.Symbolism and language – Studienet.dk
- Author: Symbolism
- Publish: 4 days ago
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Rating: 5(701 Rating)
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Highest rating: 3
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Lowest rating: 1
- Descriptions: Connie’s home is a symbol of weakness in a dangerous world. Although the house is meant to physically protect her, Arnold attacks Connie at a psychological …
- More : Connie’s home is a symbol of weakness in a dangerous world. Although the house is meant to physically protect her, Arnold attacks Connie at a psychological …
- Source : https://www.studienet.dk/engelsk/analyse/where-are-you-going-where-have-you-been/symbolism-and-language
10.Fly symbolism in “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?”
- Author: Fly
- Publish: 7 days ago
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Rating: 2(1209 Rating)
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Highest rating: 3
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Lowest rating: 2
- Descriptions: Storyboard Text · Fly Symbolism in Joyce Carol Oates’ “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” · Flies are often used as symbols of corruption and evil. · Do …
- More : Storyboard Text · Fly Symbolism in Joyce Carol Oates’ “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” · Flies are often used as symbols of corruption and evil. · Do …
- Source : https://www.storyboardthat.com/storyboards/michelleprenger/fly-symbolism-in–where-are-you-going–where-have-you-been–
