Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been: A Marxist Literary Criticism - Essay Example

The story has been analyzed and interpreted by many literary critics, one of them being Marxist critic Mark Spilka. In his essay "Oates's 'Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?': Arnold Friend as Devil", Spilka argues that the story can be seen as a representation of the class struggle between the capitalist society and the working class.

According to Marxist literary criticism, literature is a reflection of the social and economic realities of the time in which it was written. In this regard, "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" can be seen as a commentary on the societal pressures and expectations placed on young women during the 1960s.

Spilka argues that Arnold Friend, with his flashy car and persuasive words, represents the temptation of capitalism and consumerism. Connie, on the other hand, embodies the working class who is easily swayed by these temptations. This can be seen in her desire to escape her mundane suburban life and be noticed by boys.

Furthermore, Spilka also points out the significance of Connie's family background in the story. Her father, who is portrayed as a hardworking but distant man, can be seen as a symbol of the working class struggling to make ends meet while being disconnected from their own desires and dreams.

Understanding Power Dynamics in "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been": A Marxist Analysis

In the realm of literary criticism, there are many different approaches to analyzing and interpreting a text. One such approach is Marxist criticism, which focuses on examining the themes of power, class, and economic relationships within a work of literature.

One particular short story that lends itself well to a Marxist analysis is Joyce Carol Oates' "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" In this essay, we will delve into the power dynamics at play in the story and explore how they reflect larger social and economic structures.

1. The Bourgeoisie vs. Proletariat

Marxist criticism often looks at literature through the lens of class struggle between the bourgeoisie (the wealthy ruling class) and the proletariat (the working class). In "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?", we see this dynamic at play through the character of Arnold Friend.

Arnold represents the bourgeoisie, with his flashy car, expensive clothes, and manipulative charm. He exerts power over Connie, who comes from a middle-class family and is part of the proletariat. Through his manipulation and control, Arnold attempts to assert his dominance over Connie, highlighting the power imbalance between the classes.

1. The Objectification of Women

Another aspect that Marxist criticism often focuses on is the objectification of women by men in positions of power. In "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?", we see this through Arnold's treatment of Connie. He sees her as nothing more than a sexual object to be possessed and controlled.

This can also be seen in the way Connie's mother treats her, constantly criticizing her appearance and enforcing traditional gender roles. These actions further reinforce the idea that women are expected to conform to societal expectations set by men in positions of power.

1. The Influence of Capitalism

Marxist criticism also examines the influence of capitalism on society and individuals. In "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?", we see this through Connie's desire for material possessions and the societal pressure to conform to a certain standard of beauty.

Connie is constantly bombarded with images and advertisements that promote consumerism and materialism. This desire for wealth and validation through possessions only serves to perpetuate the power dynamics between the bourgeoisie and proletariat.

The Role of Social Class in "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been": A Marxist Reading

"Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been" is a short story written by Joyce Carol Oates and published in 1966. It follows the protagonist, Connie, a fifteen-year-old girl who is at a stage where she wants to break free from her family and explore the world. However, she soon realizes that the world is a dangerous place, especially for someone like her from a working-class background.

Through a Marxist lens, "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been" can be interpreted as a commentary on the role of social class in society and its impact on individuals. The story highlights how societal structures and power dynamics can lead to exploitation and oppression of the working class.

One of the main themes in the story is the struggle between the classes. This is evident in Connie's relationship with her parents, who represent the working class, and Arnold Friend, who symbolizes the upper class. Connie's parents are portrayed as hardworking individuals who constantly criticize her for wanting to be independent and rebellious. They are also shown as being unable to protect Connie from the dangers of the outside world.

In contrast, Arnold Friend is depicted as a sophisticated and wealthy individual who uses his power and manipulation tactics to control Connie. He represents the upper class that exploits the working class for their own benefit. Through Arnold's actions, Oates highlights how individuals in positions of power can take advantage of those beneath them.

Furthermore, the setting of the story also plays a significant role in highlighting social class differences. Connie's family lives in a small town and their house is described as being "small". In contrast, Arnold Friend arrives in a flashy car and takes Connie to a more affluent area, emphasizing the stark contrast between their lifestyles.

Additionally, Marxist theory also highlights the commodification of individuals in capitalist societies. This is evident in Connie's attraction to consumerism and her desire to fit in with the popular crowd. She is portrayed as a shallow character who is obsessed with her physical appearance, which can be seen as a result of societal pressures and expectations.

Examining Gender Roles in "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been" through a Marxist Lens

In the world of literature and literary criticism, there are numerous lenses through which we can view and analyze a piece of writing. One such lens is that of Marxist criticism, which focuses on analyzing literature through the lens of economic and social power dynamics. This type of criticism allows us to examine how societal structures, including gender roles, are portrayed and reinforced in literature.

One particular story that lends itself well to a Marxist reading is Joyce Carol Oates' "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been". This short story follows the character of Connie as she navigates her way through adolescence and encounters danger in the form of a man named Arnold Friend.

Through a Marxist lens, we can see how gender roles are portrayed and reinforced in this story. In Marxist theory, there is a distinction made between the bourgeoisie (the ruling class) and the proletariat (the working class). This class struggle often manifests itself as a power dynamic between men and women, with men holding more authority and control over women.

In "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been", Arnold Friend represents the bourgeoisie while Connie represents the proletariat. This is evident in the way that Arnold uses his wealth and charm to exert power over Connie and manipulate her into doing what he wants. He is able to do this because of the societal expectations and power dynamics between men and women.

Furthermore, Arnold's treatment of Connie can also be seen as a form of commodification, another concept in Marxist theory. He sees her as nothing more than an object to possess and control, highlighting society's objectification and exploitation of women by men in positions of power.

The story also examines the influence of capitalism on individuals, particularly through Connie's desire for material possessions and societal pressure to conform to a certain standard of beauty. This can be seen as a result of capitalist ideologies that promote consumerism and the idea that one's worth is tied to their appearance and possessions.

Conclusion

After closely examining Joyce Carol Oates' short story "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been" through a Marxist lens, we can see how the story illustrates the complex power dynamics between individuals and society. Through this perspective, we are able to delve deeper into the underlying themes and messages of the story, and how they relate to larger societal issues.

One of the main concepts explored in this Marxist criticism essay is the idea of class struggle. We see this play out through the character of Arnold Friend, who represents the oppressive upper class in society. Through his manipulation and control over Connie, a lower-class teenage girl, we can see how those in positions of power use their influence to exploit and dominate others.

Furthermore, the story also highlights the effects of consumerism and capitalism on individuals. Connie's obsession with material possessions, as well as her family's focus on appearances and social status, serve as a commentary on how society values material wealth over human connection and genuine relationships.