Where Are Going, Where Have You Been? By Joyce Carol Oates

Where Are Going, Where Have You Been? By Joyce Carol Oates

Group Project

Joyce Carol Oates' short story, "Where Are You Going, Where Have you Been?” is about entering new uncertain future. Within only a short time Connie, the protagonist of the story, has to grow up, learn to take responsibility and face the cruel and hard reality of life. Connie is the main character in Where Are You Going Where Have You Been? is a fifteen-year-old girl, just realizing her beauty. It is summer vacation, and she is spending her time either with boys or daydreaming about them. 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. She is completely focused on her looks and receiving the attention of the attractive, older boys. Throughout the story, the reader gets a chance to not only see Connie's physical and social sides, but her emotional side as well.

Connie's physical characteristics are that of a normal fifteen year old girl. She was described as having long, dark, blond hair that she wore. Connie had deep brown eyes that reflected nicely off of her blond hair. Connie felt as if she stayed beautiful then all would be fine. Connie develops from a superficial and dreamy teenage- girl into a more rational woman.

Most people in society hold most of the stereotypes of young people. Many individuals view the behavior of all young people, really what makes the consequences of their own views. They think young people self-centered, only about the opposite sex, this is achievable care. All young people must one day grow up and realize the choices they make will one day affect their future. They must make the transition from adolescents into adults. Authors of literature also can portray all of these ideas in their literary works. They may also use certain literary devices and writing techniques to further emphasize these views. These views are shown in two short stories that tell the tale of teenagers who make very crucial, life changing decisions without really considering the consequences of their actions.

Her world is full of rock and roll music, friends, fun, and fantasy. She has to live a sort of double life away from home; she, like her jersey sweater "looks one way when she is at home and another way when she is away from home" (308). Joyce Carol Oates uses very unique writing techniques in "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been" The story is written in limited point of view in the third person. At the end of "A and P," Sammy realizes that he does not know what he is going to do, and he must now face to world. Arnold at the end of the story, an ending that surprises the reader and Connie, takes Connie. He shuts down his register and leaves, his reason ...