W.E.G.S. its probably an acronym

There is no doubt many cases where works contain hidden meanings that require for the reader to read between the lines.  However, Wegs’s analysis of “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been” by Joyce Carol Oates might be more in line with a Dan Brown novel, or a special on the History Chanel, than a true literary analysis.  Wegs comes up with a series of claims all of which she believes support the overarching idea that Oates was drawing parallels with religion, or at the very least a demonic figure present in Judeo-Christian faith. Wegs explains that “since music is Connie’s religion its values are hers also” (Wegs 69).  This portion of her explanation is easy to grasp Oates herself described the music as being “like music at a church service; it was something to depend upon” (Oates 2). Yet it is when Wegs begins to describe the nature of Arnold Friend, that it begins to blur the line, and become more akin to a conspiracy theory.  Wegs writes that “when he introduces himself… ‘friend’ is uncomfortably close to ‘fiend’; his initials could easily stand for Arch Fiend” (Wegs 70).  Though we may not know a definite reason for exactly why the original author chose the name, Arnold and Arch have little similarity, and if she bases the arch fiend assumption just off of initials, then there are another phrases that have AR as an acronym.  Arkansas, Argon, Argentina all share the same abbreviation AR, but have no relation to the plot, so just because the abbreviation for Arch Fiend could also be AR doesn’t mean anything.  Furthermore, basing the demon thesis on physical descriptions is equally as foolish.  Wegs claims that “his clumsy bow may be due to the dact that it must be difficult to manipulate boots if one has cloven feet” (Wegs 70).  In this instance Wegs seems to have forgotten the source material and the in text explanation as to why he walks strange.  Arnold Friend and his real life inspiration both filled their boots with cans or other materials in order to make themselves appear taller.  So although it may be tempting to claim that Oates’s antagonist was other worldly, the devil is in the details, and in this case the details don’t support that Arnold was truly a demon, but rather just a dark figure.

Wegs, Joyce M. "'Don't You Know Who I Am?': The Grotesque in Oates's 'Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?'." Journal of Narrative Technique 5 (1975): 66-72.

Oates, Joyce Carol. “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” New Brunswick: Rutgers University Press, 2002. Print.