Here's why:
* The innocent protagonist: Both Connie, the protagonist in Oates' story, and Little Red Riding Hood are young, innocent girls who are drawn to the allure of the unknown.
* The seductive predator: Arnold Friend, the antagonist in "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?", and the wolf in Little Red Riding Hood are both charismatic and manipulative figures who prey on the naivety of the young girls.
* The journey: Both stories involve a journey, whether it's Connie's encounter with Arnold Friend or Little Red Riding Hood's walk to her grandmother's house. This journey represents a descent into danger.
* The themes of innocence and danger: Both stories explore the themes of innocence, temptation, and the loss of innocence. Both young girls are ultimately confronted with the dark side of the world, leaving them vulnerable and questioning their safety.
However, Oates' story goes beyond the simple narrative of Little Red Riding Hood. It explores deeper themes of teenage sexuality, societal pressures, and the threat of violence against young women.
While the connection to Little Red Riding Hood is clear, "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" can also be seen as a reinterpretation of the fairy tale, offering a more nuanced and unsettling portrayal of the dangers that lurk beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary life.