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To summarize Oates' style is to say her works typically mix the themes of Gothic estrangement and high social observations with violence being a central theme, often to a sensationalist point. Interestingly, she cites William Faulkner as one of her major influences.
The story Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been? is inspired by the Tucson murders of Charles Schmid, a 1960's serial killer who killed between three and four individuals in the Tucson area. Oates' also claims that the story was inspired by Bob Dylan (who she dedicated the anthology by the same name to) song entitled it's All Over Now, Baby Blue. Further, the title of the story is in reference to Judges 19:17 of the Old Testament, which states, "And the old man lifted up his eyes and saw the wayfarer in the street of the city; and the old man said to him, Where are you going? And Whence do you come?"
In the story, the main character, Connie, is a beautiful fifteen-year-old girl. While her parents are away, two men pull up to her house and ask for her to come out. The driver,...
However, Connie realizes this is a stranger and that he is really much older than eighteen. Hence, she refuses to go with them. Arnold then becomes more forceful and threatening and Connie finally goes with him and do what he demands of her. The story ends with Connie leaving her front porch.
Although the reader is not told of what happens to Connie, because of the detail given in the story of Arnold's character, it is read that she experiences some form of violence. The reason the reader is able to make this connection is that Arnold represents evil, or even the devil. Further, the author offers the reader clues as to Arnold's real identity. For instance, if one removes the "r" from his name it spells an Old Fiend, a popular name given to the devil. When Arnold is described, his face is said to be "stretched and masklike" and that his boots "stand out at unnatural angles," suggesting the presence of a hoof. Finally, there are numerous references to the number six, such a the words Arnold, Friend and Jalopy, all words associated with Arnold and all that have six letters, adding up to the number 666.
Clearly, these two short stories serve as examples of how an author is able to tell two stories through a combination of narrative and symbolism. At the basic level, both stories are rather gruesome tales. However, when one reads beyond the words and sees the symbolism, the real story and its meaning emerge.
references to the number six, such a the words Arnold, Friend and Jalopy, all words associated with Arnold and all that have six letters, adding up to the number 666.
Clearly, these two short stories serve as examples of how an author is able to tell two stories through a combination of narrative and symbolism. At the basic level, both stories are rather gruesome tales. However, when one reads beyond the words and sees the symbolism, the real story and its meaning emerge.
In this light. Dee represents the most successful fulfillment of the material side of the American Dream (Whitsitt). On the other hand, she is unsuccessful at preserving what is most beautiful about her culture by no longer honoring it in any practical sense. In this, she represents the tragedy of loss in terms of meaning, culture, and heritage in blind pursuit of material gain and social success. The Red Convertible"
When death finally comes it comes as a respite for Aschenbach who is so far pushed by his infatuation with the young boy that he has no control over his conscious or subconscious behavior. He sheds his dignity completely when he decides to recapture his youth with makeup much like the bumbling old fool he had spotted (and secretly laughed at) on the steamship that brought him to the
That dynamic was so familiar to the boy that he responded, probably automatically, by adopting the correspondingly appropriate demeanor on his part, as clearly evidenced by the following passage: The woman was sitting on the day-bed. After a while she said, "I were young once and I wanted things I could not get." There was another long pause. The boy's mouth opened. Then he frowned, but not knowing he frowned. The
Case in Point: Interview with an Employer: Jon Lurie started his career almost 15 years ago as a sole proprietor of a computer trouble shooting expert who repaired computer connections for private clients by appointment in New York City. He eventually transitioned to installing the first cable modem configurations when they became available, and as more advanced computer technology filtered down to private users, he offered more and more services,
English Literature Space, Confinement, & Women in "The Yellow Wallpaper" I sometimes fancy that in my condition if I had less opposition and more society and stimulus -- but John says the very worst thing I can do is to think about my condition, and I confess it always makes me feel bad. So I will let it alone and talk about the house. ~The protagonist in "The Yellow Wallpaper" Charlotte Perkins Gilman wrote
Meanwhile, T. was a different kind of leader. He wants his ideas to be followed and he led the gang to a dangerous and cruel mischief. The story also touches on the choice between good and bad as presented by Blackie's decision of whether or not join the destruction of Old Misery's house. Eventually, Blackie chose a purely egoistic choice basing his decision on the need for distinction. Ironies are