Abstract

Oates illustration, many social norms from her story remain prevalent today among teens. In fact, the purpose of this essay is to establish that the teenage culture depicted in “Where You Been, Where You Going?” continues to be an accurate and meaningful portrayal of modern teens. This paper discusses the teen culture in the 1960s and the present day teen culture. In order to demonstrate that Oates perspective remains intact, this essay utilizes an extensive literary analysis of the story. Furthermore this research also includes the personal observation of people who lived their teen year in the 1960's and the personal observation of contemporary teens. After that the comparison and contrast of both cultures have been made.

Table of Contents

Abstracti

Introduction1

The Teenage Culture of Early 1960's1

The Challenges Faced by Teenagers in 1960's2

Predominant Social Trends2

Personal Opinions3

Today's Teenage Culture4

Challenges Faced by Teenagers Nowadays4

Predominant Social Trends4

Personal Opinions of Present Day Teenagers5

Comparing and Contrasting the Teenage Culture of 1960's and Current Culture5

Comparison6

Contrast7

Conclusion7

Works Cited9

Annotated Bibliography10

“Where Are You Going, Where You Been?” and Teenage Culture

Introduction

“Where Are You Going, Where You Been?” by Joyce Oates is a tale that delves in to the life of an average teenage girl of the early 1960's. In this story Oates sheds light on the teenage culture and the quintessential social upheavals that most teenagers encountered during that time. Even though there is a gap of over 40 years in Oates illustration, many social norms from her story remain prevalent today among teens. In fact, the purpose of this essay is to establish that the teenage culture depicted in “Where You Been, Where You Going?” continues to be an accurate and meaningful portrayal of modern teens.

The Teenage Culture of Early 1960's

According to the story written by Oats, the teenage culture of the early 1960s can be determined. Joyce Carol Oates' short story, "Where Are You Going, Where Have you Been?” is about entering new uncertain future. Connie is the main character of the story and is a fifteen-year-old girl, just realizing her beauty. Connie is a typical teenage girl with a desperate need for independence. Connie fit into the stereo typical role of a teenage girl, like most of them do. Connie represents the typical teenager in the 1960s; her physical characteristics are that of a normal fifteen year old girl. Connie felt as if she stayed beautiful then all would be fine. This shows that a typical teenager of her time used to feel the same way; they felt that as long as they have the looks they will be admired by everyone.

The Challenges Faced by Teenagers in 1960's

Through the story, one can analyze the typical challenges faced by the teenagers in that era. An average teenager in that era wanted desperately to be accepted by the people. They relied on their looks and thought their looks are all that matters. The emphasis of the story on Connie's beauty and her sister June's plain looks shows that in that era the teenagers with good lucks were considered as popular and plain ...