Analysis Of Joyce Carol Oates 'Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?'

A part of Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytical theory is shown through one of Joyce Carol Oates’ characters. The psyche is made up of three parts: the id, ego, and superego. The id is the primitive and impulsive component of the human psyche. The ego and superego help us make smarter decisions because if we only made decisions based on the id everything would get chaotic. The id is also known as the pleasure principle, and reality does not affect it. This component of our personality is fantasy oriented and irrational. Joyce Carol Oates places Arnold in her short story, “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” Arnold Friend represents the id in Connie’s personality. Everything Connie wishes about her life is exactly what Arnold represents. Arnold sets Connie free and gives her the things she has
This is an irrational fantasy that people could have, but is directed in another direction due to the ego and superego. Arnold arrives at Connie’s home, and she fulfills the fantasy of her mother’s death. This fits directly into the pleasure principle. The reality and consequences tell her it is not a good idea, but it is what she had always wanted. Another interest we learn about Connie is she likes going to the mall with boys. She is a pretty and young girl who likes the attention her looks get her. She is always looking in the mirror, and Connie thinks that beauty is the only quality that matters. Connie cares more about her reflection in the mirror than her family. What we also learn about Connie is that she is particularly interested in older men. She is terrified when she sees Arnold who happens to be an older man, but the id is not always the finest choice. The two other parts of the psyche show us the reality and consequences. Our society frowns upon relations with an older man and younger girl. Connie realizes she doesn’t want this when she sees Arnold’s bizarre