Themes

The most important themes in “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Joyce Carol Oates are independence versus control, harassment, and versions of reality. Important motifs in the short story are music, appearances, and dizziness.

Music is constantly mentioned in the short story, as Connie listens to it at the restaurant, at home and even Arnold and Ellie come with a radio in the car. Consequently, we can say that music functions as a link or a bridge between different stages in the short story and helps with the theme of versions of reality.

The motif of appearances is suggested through Connie’s obsession with her looks and the way she seems...

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Independence vs. control

The theme of independence versus control is explored in the short story through the main characters, Connie and Arnold. At the beginning of the story, Connie comes across as a teenage girl who craves independence. This is why she hides from her parents going to the restaurant near the mall and why she wants to get the attention of older boys. Also, the fact that she refuses to join her family at the barbecue is another way Connie tries to declare her independence from her parents.

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Harassment

The theme of harassment is explored in the short story through Arnold and Ellie’s characters. From the moment Arnold shows up with his friend in front of Connie’s house, their attitudes reminds us of that of sexual predators.

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Versions of reality

At a more subtle level, the story deals with versions of reality or fantasy versus reality. In the story, there are certain hints that suggest Connie might as well be having a dream about Arnold. Note that just before he appears with his car in front of her house, Connie daydreamed in her yard and then went to listen to music in her room. This implies that she might have fallen asleep and dreamt about the guy she saw one night when she was out. A hint towards this interpretation of the short story is Connie's relaxed, sleep-like state before Arnie Friend comes at her house: "…breathed in and breathed out with each gentle rise and fall of her chest. (ll. 31-32)"

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