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The Theme Of Adolescence In Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been

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Adolescence is regarded by many as the single most important stage in a person’s life: the step between childhood and adulthood. As a result of the psychological and physiological developments that occur during such age, adolescence has been thoroughly depicted in works of literature. For instance, in “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been” by Joyce Carol Oates the protagonist, Connie, is forced to give up on her innocence and youthful approach to life as she is forced to become an adult. In this 1966 short story, Connie’s confrontation with Arnold proves to be life-changing as it causes her to become more alert and observant, teaches her about the perverted nature of adults, and allows her to embrace the elements of childhood one last time. …show more content…

Having been previously surrounded by only teenagers in her social circle, Connie took Arnold’s age for granted the first time they met at the drive-in restaurant. As the omnipresent narrator relates, “she happened to glance at a face just a few feet from hers. It was a boy with shaggy black hair, in a convertible jalopy painted gold,” which thus confirms that she initially saw him as a “boy” (1). Once faced by this new acquaintance at her house, however, the protagonist’s fear is what ultimately leads her to infer his true age, “she could see then that he wasn't a kid, he was much older—thirty, maybe more. At this knowledge her heart began to pound faster.” Therefore, while the interaction shared by the two characters quickly becomes sinister, it nevertheless carries the significance of having woken up Connie’s skepticism and awareness of the world and those who make it

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