The ChaConnie in Where Are You Going Where Have You Been Essay

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document

Total Length: 713 words ( 2 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 1

Page 1 of 2

Comparing and Contrasting Fiction and Real Life:

The Character of Connie in “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?”

by Joyce Carol Oates

The fate of the character of Connie in Joyce Carol Oates has always seemed particularly poignant to me, because she reminds me of one of my close friends from high school. Connie is a beautiful young woman who, for a brief period in her life, feels powerful because of the beauty she has and the hold it seems to give her over other people. She comes across as sexually aware and self-confident. But she looks much older than she is and when she attracts the attention of the wrong sort of man, it is implied that she comes to a tragic end at the conclusion of the story. Fortunately, my friend never met an Arnold Friend-style character. But she did often attract attention from older men. Because she did not want to hurt their feelings, she was afraid to strongly rebuff them.

The character of Connie in Oates’ story is admittedly less likeable than my friend. Connie has a less attractive older sister June. Unlike June, Connie refuses to help out at home and complains about her mother to her friends, “She makes me want to throw up sometimes," she complains (Oates 1). Because she is more attractive than her older mother, Connie believes she holds the upper hand in the relationship, much like she does with June, and although Connie’s mother nags her, she really does not know how to manage her daughter and make her listen to her. She resents her daughter, but her anger merely drives her daughter away from adult authority.

Stuck Writing Your "The ChaConnie in Where Are You Going Where Have You Been " Essay?

View All Our Example The ChaConnie in Where Are You Going Where Have You Been Essay

Have A Custom Example Essay Written



In the case of my friend, her relationship with her parents was strong. But sometimes strange adults would make comments, such as asking if she had a boyfriend, or even flirting with her in an appropriate way. Although I did not realize it at the time, I think it seems like a strange way for an adult to behave to any age of teenager, given that a teen is still technically a child and the adult is in a position of trust. Oates’ story and my friend’s experience highlights how when a teenager, particularly a beautiful teenage girl, looks older, adults can forget the responsibility they have as adults. Just because someone looks a certain age….....

Show More ⇣

     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"The ChaConnie In Where Are You Going Where Have You Been " (2019, February 22) Retrieved June 13, 2026, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/chaconnie-going-been-2173348

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"The ChaConnie In Where Are You Going Where Have You Been " 22 February 2019. Web.13 June. 2026. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/chaconnie-going-been-2173348>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"The ChaConnie In Where Are You Going Where Have You Been ", 22 February 2019, Accessed.13 June. 2026,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/chaconnie-going-been-2173348
   

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document
order custom essay example