A symbol is a person, object, or an event that suggests more than its literal meaning. Symbolism is generally used by authors to represent the intangible qualities of the characters, places, and events in their work. In “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been” Joyce Carol Oates uses many symbols such as: vanity, Arnold Friend, and her house. Vanity is a role played by Connie. In this story, Oates illustrates Connie as a fifteen year old who is longing to find herself as a woman. Connie is constantly concerned with the way she looks, which is proven when Oates writes, “ She had a quick nervous giggling habit of craning her neck to glance into mirrors or checking other people’s faces to make sure her own is alright” (233). She is discovering her sex appeal, realizing that she has the ability to drag boys in with how she dresses or the way she plays with her hair. This gives her a sense of control, and the mindset of a woman. What she fails to realize is rushing to grow up is setting her up for an unfortunate event. Another symbol used by Oates is Arnold Friend. He is a way to symbolize the dark side of reality, the opposing force to Connie’s child like fantasy world. Every detail about the way Friend looks and acts represents his shady, dark persona. Oates describes Arnold’s hair as looking like a wig. His hair in contrast of Connie’s golden blonde hair which symbolizes innocence. Arthur’s sunglasses would be a symbol of disguise, they reflect mirror images, his way of hiding who he really is. Arnold’s car is another example of his darkness, the saying “Man the Flying Saucers," written on the front fender of Arnold’s car reflects how important it is for him to fit in with the younger people. This is evident when Oates writes, “It was an expression kids had used the year before, but did not use this year.”(238). Realizing that Arnold is much older than she imagined, Connie is taken by the fear of the unknow