I read this short story when I was younger, and just now as I was looking through a book of short stories for my creative writing class, I found it and read it again. I think it's an amazing short story and there's just something that draws me to it, as twisted as it is. Has anyone else read this story? What are your thoughts? I know it's based off of an actual killer, but isn't there something about it that makes it so sureal?
Hi Namaste, I've actually read the story a few times, and I can see what you're saying about it drawing you in and it being surreal. It's said that the story is based (loosely) on a serial killer (who was known as "the Pied Piper") that was stalking young teenage girls. But, I also read somewhere that Joyce Carol Oates wrote "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" after hearing Bob Dylan's song: "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue"...just a little tidbit of information to pass along...(smile). One interpretation of the story I like is that the male character is actually the devil. I don't know what you think about that...but if you analyze the story, you can actually find clues pointing in that direction. Either way, however it's interpreted, it's an awesome story that still manages to creep me out.
Yeah, I've read about the devil thing, and I do like the clues it gives to it. It would make it a more dream-like story, which is what it already seemed like to me. I'm glad somebody else here has read it.
hey, we're reading "where are you going and where have you been" in english. one of my peers came across a point. the number s i tihnk " 33, 17 and 19" when transferred into latin stand for RIP. also you can watch um smooth talker. this response is probably late
Yeah, I really enjoyed reading this story, despite the unfortunate and kinda known yet unknown ending. I acutally forgot bout it till I saw this thread....makes me kinda wanna go read it again
