Analysis Of Joyce Carol Oates Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been

Without exception, every human being born will experience distinctive transitions throughout their lifetime. It could be as simple as moving from one side of town to the other. While at other times, a change can be as major as transitioning from childhood to adulthood. For much of the 20th century in America, the dynamics of communication among parents and their children was not fundamental. “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been,” written by Joyce Carol Oates introduces these “ills” of the 20th century to be examined in a more psychological depth. This ominous literal piece unfolds the story of protagonist Connie, a self-absorbed, disoriented, beautiful fifteen-year old girl, living in the early 1960’s who is placed with fear, stalked, and eventually abducted by antagonist Arnold Fiend. Connie not only is at odds with her family but also at a crossroad between defining the peculiarities and realisms one experiences as an adolescent.
She, unknowing to her parents, is our typical teenager exploring her independence and individuality. Connie kept her thoughts and feelings to herself due to the consistent rebuking and criticism she received from her mother. Connie’s mom was verbally abusive as seen when she said, “Stop gawking at yourself. Who are you? You think you’re so pretty?” (Oates). This affected the ability for Connie to communicate with her mother about any issue occurring in her adolescent