Question

In the story "Where Are You Going?...", which of these critical theories would not work as a way to read and analyze the story?

1) Feminist theory
2) Marxist theory
3) Psychoanalytic theory
4) Postcolonial theory

Answer 1

Postcolonial theory is the least applicable critical theory for analyzing 'Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?' by Joyce Carol Oates because the story's themes do not align with issues of colonization or postcolonial conditions.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of literary analysis of "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" by Joyce Carol Oates, the critical theory that would least likely be applicable is Postcolonial theory. This story focuses on the experiences of a young woman and contains elements that can be scrutinized under feminist theory, psychoanalytic theory due to the psychological tension and the unconscious motivations of its characters, and Marxist theory due to possible class and power relations depicted within the narrative. However, Postcolonial theory, which deals with the consequences of colonization and cultural identity, appears less relevant to the themes of Oates's story, which does not primarily engage with issues of colonization or the postcolonial condition.