illustration of a young girl, Connie, reflected in the sunglasses of a man, Arnold Friend

Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?

by Joyce Carol Oates

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Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?

The numbers 33, 19, and 17 in "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" are ambiguous and open to interpretation. Some suggest they might symbolize religious references, such as biblical ages or...

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Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?

Joyce Carol Oates' "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" can be interpreted as a religious parable due to its strong biblical undertones and symbolism. The story includes references to church,...

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Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?

Arnold Friend is not Bob Dylan, but he symbolizes the seductive and unsettling aspects of Dylan's music and persona. Joyce Carol Oates drew inspiration from Dylan, dedicating the story to him and...

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