How can I discuss comparative ironic depictions in Oates' short story, "Where Are You Going? Where Have You Been?"

There are a couple of different approaches you can take
with this.  The first element is that you have to figure out with what you are
comfortable in assessing this story.  Simply put, do you feel comfortable with
addressing irony in Oates' work?  Are you going to take it from Connie's point of view
or Arnold's point of view or from the understanding of Connie's parents. Irony is fairly
broad, so you might have to narrow it down.  I think that it might be interesting to
explore the title's irony in discussing the role of the parents in the story.  Another
irony to be explored would be how Connie is seen as a self indulgent teen at the start
of the story, but by the end of it, she becomes a vision of sacrifice for the betterment
of her family even if it means her own death.  Arnold's irony with a last name of
"Friend," and whose initials is "A Friend," could be explored in terms of the importance
of social connections to the American adolescent.  Another irony would be that his
presentation is one that indicates friendship and love, but his reality is something
quite opposite.  The irony presented in evil could be explored.  Much of this is going
to be based on what you feel about the story and with what you feel comfort in
assessing.  This same comfort is going to be required when you compare the story with
other stories.  You have to possess some level of comparative strength in discussing the
themes in Oates' work with another work.  This might be in discussing the depiction of
women, what it means to be a victim, or how social patterns of conformity can prove to
be destructive.  As with the above ideas, your comfort here is going to be critical in
developing a quality writing prompt.