In. “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been”, the theme is important to the story because it creates the plot. If Connie had the necessary tools she needed to go through life, then she would have been able to find herself. Carol uses the theme to show the readers how the absence of life tools can lead to your life being taken. If Connie was sure of who she was, she would have never left her house to leave with a guy she didn’t know-Arnold Friend. She would have had more confidence in herself, a supportive loving family, great communication, and less thoughts about sexuality. This theme is important in our lives today because there are a lot of teens like Connie. They are afraid or just simply don’t know how to just find themselves. They do anything be accepted and wants to fit in with the “cool kids”. Carol uses Connie as a perfect example as to how your life may end up if you never find