In Joyce Carol Oates’ “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?”, the power of commonplace objects and situations is evident throughout the narrative, echoing Raymond Carver’s notion of imbuing ordinary things with profound significance. Oates masterfully uses precise language to transform seemingly mundane elements into symbols of deeper meaning and tension.
One vivid example is when she describes the main character, Connie, as she navigates the threshold of her home: “She was a pretty girl, but she had a nice, well-rounded figure and a good sense of style.” This line, while straightforward, captures not just Connie’s physical appearance but also the allure and vulnerability of her youth. The specificity of a “well-rounded figure” and “a good sense of style” elevates her character, illustrating the societal pressures she faces and the transition from innocence to awareness.
As the story progresses, everyday objects and actions become laden with menace, particularly during Arnold Friend’s entrance. The door itself becomes a barrier, a threshold between safety and danger. Oates writes, “She was still too far away to see his face clearly, but she could see his clothes.” This simple observation transforms a common detail into a moment of building dread, where an ordinary interaction turns ominous.
Through Oates’ use of precise language, the commonplace aspects of Connie’s life take on a weight that enhances the story’s themes of identity, transformation, and the complexity of the adolescent experience. The seemingly trivial becomes powerful, echoing Carver’s insights into the extraordinary nature of everyday life.
