Character Analysis Of Connie In Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?

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In the story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?”, Written by Joyce Carol Oates, the immaturity of the protagonist Connie, ultimately results in her downfall due to the effect of societal pressures. While Connie is a popular and attractive young girl, she has a lot more going against her in life. She has no relationship with her father, she is constantly nagged by her mother to be more like her older sister, and is only interested with how she looks rather than things that should matter more to her, such as her education or her relationships with her family. Connie acts disinterested with her family when together, but when with her friends, acts rebellious and explores with her sexuality. The naivety of Connie is expressed through her …show more content…
“Stop gawking at yourself, who are you? You think your so pretty?”(Oates 465). Connie’s mother had always been scolding her for admiring herself, as she used to have good looks and did not want Connie to be too interested in herself. Connie would wear a pullover jersey blouse that she would wear more exposingly when she went out. According to an article written by author of world literature, Joyce Moss, it was common for teenage girls to express their sexuality at that time. “In the 1950s it was still considered morally reprehensible for a young woman to exhibit her sexuality by dressing in even a remotely provocative way or flirting with boys in a public place. Yet at the same time societal interest in blatant sexual imagery was blossoming” (Moss Par. 11). Connie being a considerably attractive girl, for her to exploit her sexuality was normal, although shameful. Connie’s friends, who dressed in shorts, ballerina slippers, and charm bracelets, make her feel compelled to dress so flirtatiously. Connie’s friends also play a part in her decision making when they go out and do risky things such as, sneaking across a busy highway, and going to a drive-in lot where there would be older kids hanging out. While Connie is approached by a boy named Eddie, she is hesitant to hangout with him, feeling as if she would be leaving her friend behind, but is …show more content…
When Connie goes outside to talk to him, she blushes and is attracted to him because of his rough look and muscular body. “Connie liked the way he was dressed, which was the way all of them dressed: tight faded jeans stuffed into black, scuffed boots, a belt that was a little soiled and showed how lean he was, and a white pull-over shirt that was a little soiled and showed the hard small muscles of his arms and shoulders”(Oates 470). Connie is put into a situation where she senses danger in Arnold, but at the same time is curious about him and continues to entertain him with his conversation. Arnold tries to convince Connie that he is her age, although she is able to tell right away that he is definitely older than her. While carrying this conversation, Arnold begins to recognize that Connie is young and curious to explore her sexaulity, so he tries to convince her to get in his car. According to text written by author Kathleen Wilson, Arnold Friend uses his knowledge in order to manipulate Connie. “He is also a potential rapist and murderer who uses psychological manipulation to appeal to Connie's vanity and her need to be liked by men.Perhaps the most terrifying thing about Arnold Friend is that he blends elements of romance—’I took a special interest in you, such a pretty girl’—and violence—’We ain't leaving until
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