Joyce Carol Oates
English 126
29 November 2012 Joyce Carol Oates, The Author of "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” Many critics have found that the possibility of the psychological changes of a teenager is a discussable topic to learn and argue about. Connie, the young teenage girl in the story of “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” faces an unpredictably-dangerous situation that challenges her knowledge of insecurity and adulthood. As a matter of the fact, Connie is molded into the central character of the story and at the same time she functions as a character representing a normal teenager. Any other teenagers in another family could be the next “Connie”, who could get confusion with his or her psychological concern. There are several factors discussed below, arguing to be contributed to Connie’s psychological senses and behaviors: To begin with, the uncommunicative issue among Connie’s family results in her rebellious behaviors. In the reading about” Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been,” Connie’s mother shut at her,” Why don’t you keep your room clean that your sister? How’ve you got your hair fixed—what the hell stinks? Hair spray? You don’t see your sister using that junk” (505). According to this quote, it is obvious that Connie is from a traditional-minded family. The mom always compares Connie to her sister, June who has been a good girl in her life: she has a stable job, and is responsible and respectable to her family and society. She believes that a normal child is supposed to follow the arrangements made by his or her parents and obey the social standard, just like Connie’s sister does. Feeling her expectation cannot be reached because of Connie’s disobedience, her mom begins to blame on Connie harder and harder. Connie said to her friend: “She makes me want to throw up sometimes” (505.)
29 November 2012 Joyce Carol Oates, The Author of "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” Many critics have found that the possibility of the psychological changes of a teenager is a discussable topic to learn and argue about. Connie, the young teenage girl in the story of “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” faces an unpredictably-dangerous situation that challenges her knowledge of insecurity and adulthood. As a matter of the fact, Connie is molded into the central character of the story and at the same time she functions as a character representing a normal teenager. Any other teenagers in another family could be the next “Connie”, who could get confusion with his or her psychological concern. There are several factors discussed below, arguing to be contributed to Connie’s psychological senses and behaviors: To begin with, the uncommunicative issue among Connie’s family results in her rebellious behaviors. In the reading about” Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been,” Connie’s mother shut at her,” Why don’t you keep your room clean that your sister? How’ve you got your hair fixed—what the hell stinks? Hair spray? You don’t see your sister using that junk” (505). According to this quote, it is obvious that Connie is from a traditional-minded family. The mom always compares Connie to her sister, June who has been a good girl in her life: she has a stable job, and is responsible and respectable to her family and society. She believes that a normal child is supposed to follow the arrangements made by his or her parents and obey the social standard, just like Connie’s sister does. Feeling her expectation cannot be reached because of Connie’s disobedience, her mom begins to blame on Connie harder and harder. Connie said to her friend: “She makes me want to throw up sometimes” (505.)
Cited: Oates, Joyce Carol. “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” Compact Literature. Ed Laurie G. Kirszner and Stephen R. Mandell. Boston: Wadsworth Publishing 8th edition, 2013. 129-133. Print. Kalpakian, Laura. “From A Review of Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been? Selected Early Stories.” Compact Literature. Ed Laurie G. Kirszner and Stephen R. Mandell. Boston: Wadsworth Publishing 8th edition, 2013. 129-133. Print. Urbanski, Marie Mitchell Olesen. “Existential Allegory.” “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” Ed. Elaine Showalter. New Brunswick: Rutgers UP, 1994. 75-79.