Write an essay about a short story Where are you Going, Where have you been written by Joyce Carol Oates

Write an essay about a short story “Where are you Going, Where have you been” written by Joyce Carol Oates.

The essay should attempt to address the following 3 questions

1 What did the story say?

Here you are discussing the theme (or themes) of the story. The theme is the central idea generated by the short story. It usually suggests something about the nature of being human. It often focuses on aspects of human nature that people have in common in a giving situation, it’s often an insight that moves beyond the overly obvious or mundane.  Most themes are not stated outright by the author – but are suggested by the motives, actions, and words of characters and by the outcome of the conflict. Answers to the questions—who wins (or loses) and why leads you to theme.

2 How well was the story presented?

Here you are discussing two, three, four literary techniques that help create a well told tale. Beyond all else, a story must entertain the reader. It this section of essay you SHOULD ISOLATE AND DISCUSS THE LITERARY TECHNIQUES that provide the glue of the story POINT OF VIEW, CONFLICT, CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT, SETTING and FORESHADOW. The central question is ARE THE IDEAS PRODUCE BY STORY WORTHY OF THOUGHTFUL REFLECTION? And remember ambiguity and uncertain are not always flaws. At certain time READER WILL HIDDEN GEMS IN THE FOG OF THE STOY.

3. Was the CENTRAL IDEAS OF THE STORY WORTH SAYING?

In this section of your analysis, YOU ARE JUDGING THE LITERARRY MERIT OF THE STORY. Are the ideas generated by the story worth pondering whether or not you agree with them? The story may have clear theme, and it may be very entertaining but the story may be trite and superficial.  THE CENTRAL QUESTION IS : ARE THE IDEIAS PRODUCED BY THE STORY WORTHY OF THOUGHTFUL REFLECTION? And remember ambiguity and uncertainty are not always flaws. At the times, the reader will find hidden gems in the fog of the story.

The essay will have an introduction 3 to five body paragraphs, and a conclusion. It will use quotations, but not abuse quotations, your ideas are more important than words from the story. Use quotation to illustrate your analysis.