Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been? Analysis

In the short story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Joyce Carol Oates, many literary devices are used to convey the change from childhood to adolescence and sexuality. Throughout this tale, Connie, the main character, goes back and forth between innocence and maturity, showing two very different sides. Every time the music plays, Connie is doing mature things or is in grown-up situations, frequently sexual, but as the music fades, she returns …

…and have exciting experiences, the terrifying Arnold Friend made her cower, afraid and unsure. The music went on and off throughout the story as Connie moved in and out of grown-up situations, but it did not fade in the end. Connie did not return to innocence, but joined Arnold and the “perpetual music” of Ellie’s radio (7). The unceasing music proved that Connie had moved into the real world and could no longer waver between.