False perceptions and stark realities are seen in Joyce Carol Oates' short story, "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" The major theme in the story is the consistent conflict between fantasy and reality. The main character, Connie, tries hard to create an adult persona using her attitude and appearance to attract boys, yet she is oblivious to the reality of the society in which she lives. Connie is living in a fantasy world, but when the antagonist traps her, Arnold Friend, she is thrown into a scary reality. Symbols throughout the story play a major role in the theme. Oates uses symbols to ultimately reflect the fantasy versus reality conflict that is present throughout the story. Finally, Connie crosses the line from her comforting fantasy into a terrifying reality. Oates illustrates Connie as a fifteen-year old girl who is trying to find herself as a woman. Connie is constantly concerned with the way she looks and has a habit of "craning her neck to glance into mirrors or checking other people's faces to make sure her own was all right"" (361). She realizes that she has the ability to attract boys by dressing and doing her hair a certain way. Connie is discovering her sex appeal and is creating a new attitude for herself, which includes rebelling against her parents. She attempts to explore new territories and to find a new side of herself. Her search to mature sexually has put her at an unsafe disadvantage. She doesn't realize it but she is stuck in a fantasy world, which she mistakes for reality. Everything serves as an illusion in Connie's world. Her appearance helps her to think of herself as a woman and her ability to attract boys gives her a sense of control. The music that Connie fills her world with gives her a sense of escape from reality. Connie bases her fantasy world and her new attitude on the music that surrounds her. To her, the music narrates her feelings, fantasies, pleasures, and dreams.
