Fly Symbolism in Joyce Carol Oates' "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?"

Flies are often used as symbols of corruption and evil. They often foreshadow something bad is about to occur. In the Bible they bring plague and death. In the classic William Golding novel Lord of the Flies, they are associated with Beezlebub (the Hebrew word for Satan). Flies are often associated with evil in horror films, as well.

Do you want to get out of here for a bit?

The diner where Connie likes to go to meet older boys is described in the story as being "fly-infested." If the flies are interpreted as being a symbol of danger, evil, and death, then here they might represent how the diner is a forbidden place that Connie was not supposed to be. She lied to her parents about going there, and while she was there, she was not only flirting with older boys, but flirting with danger. It is the place where Arnold Friend first sees Connie and marks her as his prey. It is the setting that is the catalyst for the beginning of Connie's end.