Where Are You Going Where Have You Been Character Analysis
Two Different Worlds The short story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been” written by Joyce Oates demonstrates through the main character Connie, a young girl that has been trying to find her place in the world, that people always will all have to battle their fears interwinding with their desires. First and foremost, Connie is a pretty young girl that thrives on her beauty. Her obsession with her beauty in a psychological point of view is actually her desire to have a connection with her mother. Her beauty is the one compliment that her mother will give her, “ ‘ Stop gawking at yourself. Who are you? You think you’re so pretty?’ she would say. Connie would raise her eyebrows at these familiar old complaints and look right through …show more content…
She already knew that her mother loved her other sister, June, more and the only thing that she had that June did not was her beauty. Secondly, her desire to be apart of something or to be important to someone came to her; however, as her desire came so did fear. She struggled with her fear that she would be leaving what was known to her: a family that she didn’t feel apart of. She craved the feeling of being wanted, and Arnold Friend was a “friend” that could give her all the attention she wanted. “‘I know my Connie,’ he said, wagging his finger... ‘Ellie and I come out here especially for you,’ he said ‘Ellie can sit in back. How about it?’”(Oates 4). This shows her craving of attention through the word play because it exaggerates that he went out of his way for her, he would choose her over his friend, and lastly he would do anything for her. The story continues with her asking question after question showing her intriguedness with this opportunity, and as her reluctance of leaving her house and her fear lessened she had realized that it was not her house. Furthermore, as the house became less and less like her home her desire of being wanted overcomes her fear of not being missed by her family, friends, and the various of boys
Connie In Joyce Carol Oates 'Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?'
169 Words | 1 PagesDuring the years of adolescence, an individual goes through a period of time which causes confusion and curiosity, where finding themselves is inevitable. “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Joyce Carol Oates takes the reader on an adventure of rebellion as the protagonist, Connie, sorts through a sketchy situation with her own self-experiences. Connie, through her confusion of life, creates a devilish nightmare that is a subconscious manifestation of her desires for attention from the opposite sex. The feeling of helplessness and loneliness is a major characteristic of a nightmare that seems to linger in Connie’s minds. Through her journey, she finds that she is a helpless heroin and cannot control the events occurring around her.
Arnold Friend Character Analysis
1137 Words | 5 PagesThe story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been” by Joyce Carol Oates, is a one where the idea of how girl who struggles with wanting to be a mature woman, faces her demon full form. The protagonist of the story is Connie, a 15-year-old rebel girl, obsessed with her look; and through fault of her own, meets the antithesis of herself, the antagonist of the story, Arnold Friend. Connie seeks to be a mature adult and desires an emancipation from her family. Seeing herself as mature woman through the desires of her attraction by other boys and men, as well as her mother. Its this same desire which acts as the main fault for her character.
Connie In Joyce Carol Oates's The Metamorphosis
1417 Words | 6 PagesConnie in Joyce Carol Oates’s story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been” desperately wants to be independent from her family, while Gregor Samsa in Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis” pathetically yearns for inclusion. In this story, Oates pays special attention to the mother-daughter relationship and the lack of meaningful communication between them. Connie's mother is an image of the future Connie doesn't want – the life of a domestic housewife. Connie has a love-hate relationship with her mother, with whom she identifies, but at the same time she has to distance herself from her mother in order to establish her independence. On the other hand, The Metamorphosis, a story by Franz Kafka, is about a man who has been transformed into a giant beetle
Symbolism In 'Where Are You Going Where Have You Been?'
700 Words | 3 PagesIn the coming of age story “Where Are You Going Where Have You Been?” Joyce Carol Oates uses symbolism, conflict, and the third person to foreshadow fifteen-year-old Connie’s unfortunate, yet untimely fate. While one may think that the conflict stems from Connie’s promiscuity, it is clear to see her promiscuity is only a result to a much bigger conflict, her mother’s constant nagging and disapproval, alongside the lack of attention from her father. the author paints a vivid picture of what happens when a fifteen-year-old girl such as Connie goes elsewhere to find to find the love, attention, and approval that she lacks at home. All which is vital for her growth and wellbeing as a person.
Literary Devices In Where Are You Going Where Have You Been
804 Words | 4 PagesIn her short story "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?", Joyce Carol Oates utilizes a variety of literary devices to strengthen the story in its entirety. This short story is essentially about a 16-year-old girl named Connie and the conflict between her desire to be mature and her desire to remain an adolescent. Throughout the story, the audience sees this conflict through her words in addition to through her behavior. The audience is also introduced to Arnold Friend, a rather peculiar man, who essentially kidnaps her. This short story by Joyce Carol Oates functions and is additionally meaningful because of her usage of literary devices.
Analysis Of Where Are You Going Where Have You Been
1203 Words | 5 PagesThe short story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Joyce Carol Oates is about a teenage girl named Connie who is in the mist of her adolescent rebellion. She wants to prove her maturity to others and herself. In the story, Oates describes that Connie always lets her mind flow freely in between her daydream. She even creates and keeps dreaming about her ideal male figure in her mind to make her happy and satisfied. Oates allows the reader to step into Connie’s “dream world” through the appearance of Arnold Friend.
Where Are You Going Where Have You Been Psychological Analysis
657 Words | 3 PagesThe short story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Joyce Carol Oates can be interpreted in a multitude of ways due to its ambiguity. A psychological lens, however, provides the most accurate viewpoint for analyzing the story as it clarifies certain obscure scenes and actions of Connie. One psychological issue of Connie that is easily inferred from the beginning of the story is her insecurity about her looks. Connie constantly worries about the way that she looks and takes any opportunity to do so, “craning her neck to glance into mirrors or checking other people's faces to make sure her own was all right” (1).
Where She Went Character Analysis
173 Words | 1 PagesThe character that I would choose from a book would be from the book Where she went ,I’d want to meet the character Adam because the book is based on his point of view instead of Mia’s point of view in the first book. But i would like to meet him because when you’re in his point of view in the book it’s really descriptive and such and very touching and emotional i guess. And I would like to meet him and ask him very simple yet deep questions i suppose,I feel i would ask him things such as,How did it feel not have any parents for most of your life?or how he felt when he heard Mia was in a coma?or how did he feel when he saw Mia wake up. I don’t really know how he would answer because well I’m not Adam and I’m not the author either,But I’m sure
Analysis Of Connie In Joyce Carol Oates Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been
1415 Words | 6 PagesConnie in Joyce Carol Oates’s story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been” desperately wants to be independent from her family, while Gregor Samsa in Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis” pathetically yearns for inclusion. In this story, Oates pays special attention to the mother-daughter relationship and the lack of meaningful communication between them. Connie's mother is an image of the future Connie doesn't want – the life of a domestic housewife. Connie has a love-hate relationship with her mother, with whom she identifies, but at the same time she has to distance herself from her mother in order to establish her independence. On the other hand, The Metamorphosis, a story by Franz Kafka, is about a man who has been transformed into a giant beetle
Character Analysis Of Connie In 'Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been'
984 Words | 4 Pages“Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been,” is about a teenager named Connie who is trying to come to terms with her transformation from childhood to adulthood. Through this process, Connie attempts to act older than she is an tries to gain the attention of boys. In “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been,” Joyce Oates portrays Connie as obsessed with men to symbolize how one’s obsession and narcissistic attitude can cause danger to seem surreal. In the short story, Carol Oates describes Connie as having two different personalities, one being a narcissistic attitude.
Where Are You Going Where Have You Been Literary Analysis
694 Words | 3 PagesIn Joyce Carol Oates’s short story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been” the main protagonist finds herself in a very hostile situation. With an all most fateful encounter with a man known as Arnold Friend. Forcing her to choose whether to run off with him or taking her by force. This man known as Arnold Friend to the reader comes off as almost a demon. A person who uses many temptations, word play, and threats to take advantage of the young protagonist Connie.
Character Analysis: Where The Wild Things Are
973 Words | 4 PagesWhere the Wild Things are by Maurice Sendak is an interesting children’s picture book. The main character is a little boy named Max, who has a wild imagination. He uses all five senses as well as thought and his actions to express his personality as well as how he reacts and interacts with his surroundings. Max’s id, ego and super-ego are greatly shown in this book through the way that the author has portrayed him. Not only is this book a children’s story, but it can also be perceived as a life lesson.
A Long Way Gone Character Analysis
1035 Words | 5 PagesDesire is the need for an object, a feeling or a person. One can have a desire for something that is essential for survival, such as water or food, but desire could be used to harm others or oneself. Through A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah, Ishmael’s perspective of desire was altered dramatically. These desires were changed from his surroundings or events that were taking place. In the book, Ishmael was easily manipulated by his desires.
If I Stay Character Analysis
590 Words | 3 PagesHave you ever wondered what it would be like to be between life and death? In If I Stay by Gayle Forman, Mia discovers the in between stages of life. It is important to think about the consequences the choice will have on ones self and others once the choice is made. Mia’s family gets into a car crash, and her parents and brother pass away. She is then the only one left from her family, and is a coma because of the accident.
Power In Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club
504 Words | 3 PagesJune never did feel as close to her mom as she wished because of how different they were. At the end of the book, June meets her half sisters and with that, her mother's dream is fulfilled. Through the process of meeting her sisters she finally feels close to her mother. This book is a great book, as it thoroughly shows how dedication and self- worth can push a person to do many different
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