I believe “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” is not the same kind of horror as a scary movie because in the movies you are being shown the scary parts or scene but as your reading, you can imagine it in any way you want, so I feel like imagery plays a big role. Also, the language and symbolism can also be taken in variety of ways depending on the readers own thinking. The author of the story uses very deep language and imagery which invites readers to create a situation in their head while reading. Unlike movies, readers can choose the pace, allowing deeper involvement and more complex emotional experiences. This combination of language and imagery increases the fear by creating a more personal, specific, thought provoking, and terrifying experience unlike in the movies you aren’t able to control what you’re seeing and go along with the pace of the movie.
Daily Archives: April 19, 2024
In the short story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Joyce Carol Oates, the feeling of fear that readers experience is different from the one that horror movies stimulate. Movies often contain violent and gory scenes, which can be overwhelming for some viewers. On the other hand, stories do not have visual effects, so the frightening parts only exist in the reader’s creativity. Rather than showing scary images, stories describe them in detail, creating a feeling of concern and excitement. In the story, the character Arnold Friend is creepy, and his words and actions can make the reader’s skin crawl. For instance, his unsettling smile and the way he invades Connie’s personal space create a sense of unease that lingers throughout the narrative. In contrast to movies, where viewers can look away from the screen if it gets too scary, stories create an immersive experience that readers cannot escape because it all happens in their minds. Therefore, it is often more frightening and harder to forget.
There are various ways in which the one feels fear when reading “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” is not the same as when viewing a scary movie. First of all, the written word enables a more in-depth examination of the thoughts and feelings of the character, drawing the reader into Connie’s vulnerability and dread as she confronts Arnold Friend. This psychological nuance deepens the sense of dread and strengthens the reader’s bond with the protagonist.Second, literature frequently leaves certain facts up to the reader’s perception in favor of suspense and imagination. Comparing this uncertainty to the explicit sights of a movie, it can evoke a more individualized and persistent feeling of discomfort. Furthermore, the reading’s rhythm permits pauses for contemplation and suspense in between sections, thus increasing the tension. However, films may rely onscares and visual elements to give viewers a short scare, but these effects wear off fast as the scene is over. All things considered, fear in literature affects the reader in a distinctive and long-lasting way by appealing to the mind and emotions in diverse ways.
