Where Are you Going, Where Have You Been?

In "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?' Joyce Carol Oates shares a story about a teenage girl struggling to find herself, and winding up in dire trouble.  Through the typical struggles on teenage-parent relationships, and the desire to grow up faster, Oates solidifies the naivety and vulnerability young women are faced with on a regular basis.
Right from the very beginning of the short story, the unhealthy relationship between fifteen year old Connie and her mother is noticeable, who is constantly putting her down.  Her mother would say negative things to her such as, "You think your so pretty?" (Oates 468) and would constantly compare her to her older sister, of whom her mother praised.  And as one would expect, Connie always replied with the typical teenage remarks and attitude, depicting her naivety towards her family, and her luck of having a stable support system.  By focusing solely on the relationship between two of the main characters, both of their true personalities are revealed.
As the story goes on, Connie's constant discontent is very apparent but mainly only seen through her words and interactions with friends.  But as the story goes on, and Connie more physically defies her mother, she finds herself in a whirlwind of turmoil.  Knowing the vulnerability of teenage girls, Arnold Friend took advantage of Connie.  Through the behavior of Connie when around Arnold, her fear and anxiety is highly detectable.  This further exposes the natural teenage personality that still urns for childhood.
Characterization is seen in all aspects of literary pieces, and can redefine many aspects of the story. Through the changing characteristics of Connie throughout the story, the always altering personalities and traits of teenagers is greatly represented, solidifying how naive and vulnerable teenage girls are in the world.