I've heard of Atherton, and know that her best-known story is "The Bell in the Fog," but I don't recall for certain ever reading any of her work. (It sounds like that's an omission I should remedy!)

My reaction to "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" (as well as to the other Oates story I've read, "Queen of the Night") was much less positive. My review of An Introduction to Fiction (www.goodreads.com/review/show/58994729 ) includes my comments on this story, for whatever they're worth. (That's in the part of the review at the very bottom, written on Oct. 4, 2010 --I generally write reviews of short story collections piecemeal, the way I usually read them-- so you have to scroll through a very loooong review to reach it; sorry!)

I liked your review very much, Werner. I confess my first read of the story, I felt so repelled. But when I read it again (as I often do when I feature a short on my blog), I found the layering of the story to be very compelling. Oates does show us how men are predators and how teen girls are full of romantic fantasy but sexually immature and vulnerable. Arnold Friend is so evil and so smooth at the same time. I think the story's value is in how it draws our awareness to this.

Thanks, Paula! I've only read the story once; but I can see where you're coming from, and if I'd read it again, I might appreciate it (though probably not like it, as such) more as well. I always value your insights!