Self-Destructive Forces in Oates' Women

Neslihan Guler Ugur

Abstract


This article aims to explore the self-destructive characteristic traits of women and the unconscious motives behind them in the short story Where Have You Been, Where Are You Going by Joyce Carol Oates. In this respect, Connie’s masochism as opposed to men’s sadism is explored thoroughly within the framework of psychoanalytic approach. The study explains how women turn out to be masochistic people in order to let their hidden and repressed selves free and get recognition from men. Moreover, self-guilt, passivity, and complete submission in Oates’ women are analyzed with the reasons that generate them. The roles mothers and society have on the formation of these characteristic traits are studied within the context of Connie’s relationship with her mother because it is her mother who always criticizes Connie because of her “trashy dreams”. Finally, considering women’s sexuality as a sin that deserves punishment, and rape as a sexual punishment for women who demand sexual freedom in patriarchal world order is one of the essential points discussed in this paper. 
Key words: Joyce Carol Oates; Connie; Masochism; Women; Self-guilt; Psychoanalysis

References


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