Thesis statement
Analysis of Joyce Carol Oates, “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” What is the writer’s main idea (or thesis statement)?
The main message of the author revolves around the variance between the appearances of different people that is painted by others and the reality presented by their true nature. This story is conveying the message concisely and precisely.
For instance, when the mother keeps eyeing her daughter who is busy staring in the mirror, she may be portraying the concept of conflict between reality and the thoughts. Connie doubts that she is beautiful and every time she has to look through the mirror each and every time.
It is habitual to Connie just to stare in the mirror trying (1). The perception in the world of fantasy developed by the main character also brings about some conflict. Connie keeps on dreaming about the boys that she met with sometimes back and fantasying about such encounters.
2. What are the main supporting points the writer makes in the body paragraphs to back up the thesis statement?
The author builds these through the different stylistic devices that are used to convey the message. She has utilized symbolism to communicate the message clearly. The dark side of reality is symbolized in this story.
Arnold for instance is conveyed as a bad boy. He believes and knows that he can take advantage of Connie and the urge is irresistible. He plans to lure Connie into the trap of falling in for him and nothing else.
The sunglasses have also been used as a symbol to built the unreality and the false perception that is presently in the world. The sunglasses play a role in hiding his identity where he plays behind the scenes (8).
This still, is building on this thematic issue of the conflict between perception, fantasy and reality. This presents the disguise that comes with people who wishes to hide their true self. Another symbol is Arnold’s car which presents dark appearance and nature through the gold color of the car that render it flashy being someone who is still needs to enjoy luxury.
The music may also be a symbol or metaphor in this story, he says; “Like music in a church service, It was something to depend upon” (6).
This means that music played a very important function in the life of the characters in this story.
In addition to the above illustrations, the author has also used other symbols to build imagery and show that there is a conflict between reality and fantasy together with perspectives.
Cars are symbols of men’s power over women. In the story, only men drives, whether fathers, boyfriends, rapists and other evil men, they all drive. Since car is a tool of oppression and power, when it lands into the hands of wrong characters, they it means the people affected are going to be in a terrible agony (2)
2. How effectively does the conclusion wrap up the discussion?
Connie keeps thinking low about herself. Though she has been beautiful and smart in the beginning but she keeps doubting those facts, this affects her drastically and make her end up having a low self-esteem. Low self-esteem makes her to develop several and serious psychological problems something that kills her note worth.
3. List at least two places where the writing grabs your attention or is well worded. Why do these places stand out?
The home grabs my attention in this story. It is home that brings doubts to Connie, it is home that kill her self-esteem, it is home that makes her doubt her beauty. Look the mother says; “Her mother, who noticed everything and knew everything and who hadn’t much reason any longer to look at her own face, always scolded Connie about it.
“Stop gawking at yourself. Who are you? You think you’re so pretty?” she would say. Connie would raise her eyebrows at these familiar old complaints and look right through her mother, into a shadowy vision of herself as she was right at that moment: she knew she was pretty and that was everything.
Her mother had been pretty once too, if you could believe those old snapshots in the album, but now her looks were gone and that was why she was always after Connie” (1)
Another place that grabs my whole attention is the shopping plaza. This is where she met with friends, including those who wished to turn his course of action and influence her life negatively. This was the place of her pass time where she would come to relax each and every time.
5. List at least two places that need more illustration or explanation. Why do
The places that may need more illustration may be, church and barbecue that used to happen at aunt’s house.
References
Oates, Joyce Carol, and Tobias Wolff. Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been? Difusión, Centro de Investigación y Pubicaciones de Idiomas, 2013.
