Where Are You Going Where Have You Been by Joyce Carol Oates Essay

Where Are You Going Where Have You Been by Joyce Carol Oates - Essay ExampleThis grade narrates the sexual advances in the midst of a eon that represents the idea and philosophy of the heartbeat culture along with its attempt to change and ignore all traditional concepts. However, what comes out of the narrative is the lust of Arnold and the opportunity to conflate the nihilist ideology of the era into personal satisfaction. This process of seduction is well documented in this fib and it reflects the complex nature of the juxtaposition within traditional moral and rebellious nature of the generation of the beat culture.It should be mentioned that Larry Rubins assertion that Connies encounter with Arnold Friend is only a dream- resembling projection of her erotic fantasies (Rubin, 202) is mistaken for some(prenominal) reasons. Firstly, it is not desperately required for a person of that generation to fantasize when the elements are readily available. Secondly, thither is no si ngle instance where it is hinted that Arnold is a metaphor or result of a fantasy. He appears completely real and menacing all the while. Thus it cannot be stated that critic Larry Rubin is correct when asserting that Connies encounter with Arnold Friend is only a dream-like projection of her erotic fantasies (Rubin, 202).It is true that Joyce M. Wegs mentioned that Arnold is clearly a symbolic match (Wegs, 202) but it appears that he is the product of the era itself. Arnold is no different and his character is well depicted in the story where his ability is low and he seeks a benefit of low interest and he is at ease with his gains. It can well be stated that are always some negative points in the time of change and people like Arnold are the individuals who are instrumental in incorporating those negative for their momentary and intangible asset benefits. The doubts, dilemmas, and confusions of the beat culture were gradually, quite slowly indeed, giving way to a new and uniqu e heathenish revolution. It was happening all across the Western world and the characters of the story find themselves in the midst of it. batch suddenly seemed to realize that there was enough of political warfare to disgrace humanity. The prevailing standards suddenly seemed to be meaningless, and the insurgent youths wanted something different to happen. This something took place in the form of nihilism and beat movement and the story depicts exactly this mood when an opportunist like Arnold took full advantage of the situation of Connie. He tried to unblock his acts by yielding bizarre psyche and philosophies, actually fallacy, that was so relevant at the time among survey culture. Arnolds approach to Connie was planned but he placed like an artistic jest with fallacies of philosophy. Now, put your hold on your heart, honey. Feel that That feels solid too but we know better. Be nice to me, be invigorated like you can because what else is there for a girl like you but to be sweet and attractive and give in-and get away before her people come back (Oates, 388-9) or for that matter lines like Ill have my arms tight around you so you wont need to try to get away and Ill orient you what love is like, what it does. The hell with this house It looks solid all right. (Oates, 388) It is evident from these words that the actual inclination was to emulate the philosophical concept of the time but the situation and the intention was completely materialistic in nature. No matter how much Arnold poses as a carefree beat and a nihilist by uttering unconventional and anti establishment ideas like The place where you came from aint there any more, and where you had in mind to go is cancelled out. This place you are