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Where Are You Going Where Have You Been Character Analysis

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Author Harlan Coben once said, “Adolescence is always a war; no one gets out unscathed”. There are many attributes shared amongst teens, and in the story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been” by Joyce Carol Oates, the protagonist, Connie is the embodiment of the typical teenage girl. Oates depicts Connie in such a way by the use of Connie’s appearance and actions, as well as her relationships, and budding sexuality.
One key element that characterizes Connie as an average teen is her appearance and actions. Some of the most obvious examples come when her clothing choices are described, “...in their shorts and flat ballerina slippers that always scuffed the sidewalk, with charm bracelets jingling on their thin wrists…”. Connie’s clothing reflects that of which a young girl in the 60s-and even now-may wear, and the diction of ‘thin’ can allude to her not yet developed body. Furthermore, Connie is said to wear a “... pull-over jersey blouse that looked one way when she was at home and another way when she was away from home”. Oates goes on to list other aspects of Connie that change depending on where she is, or where she is going. This sense of duality and altering actions or decisions based on surroundings is a common thread in the lives of teenagers. This theme also appears when Connie tries to cajole her mother by claiming to have no involvement with her best friend, Betty. Another example that solidifies Connie’s normality is her dependence on her family. When Connie

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