Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been

Although this was my second time reading it, Joyce Carol Oates’ short story was just as dark on the second read as the first. This story, albeit very deep and somewhat disturbing, is a prime example of the coming-of-age theme that we have been dealing with in this class.

Connie, the main character of this chilling tale, fits the classic stereotype of an American teenage girl. After being tied down for the first fifteen years of her life by her parents (most notably her mother) Connie longs for independence, and takes every opportunity she can to dress up and hang out around older people. I’ve seen this longing firsthand, as my little sister, who is also 15, has acted the same way, always wanting to grow up a little sooner than she should. Connie’s desire to be older and more independent eventually backfires, as an older man she once saw at the drive-in finds her and kidnaps her. Similar to The House on Mango Street, wanting to grow up too soon leads to a loss of innocence, a deeper look into the tougher problems that surround being an adult. Connie tried her hardest to believe that her parents would be back soon and would be able to save her, but by insisting on being independent (leaving herself at the house alone) she sacrificed the safety blanket that her parents could provide. This story deals with some extremely dark and scary thoughts, but is a very good example of one coming-of-age too soon.

Arnold Friend (an old friend?), the “definitely not a teenager anymore” suitor who forces Connie to come with her, is almost a symbol of evil and temptation himself. His shiny gold car, complete with his name painted across the back, is a good example of the lure and lust of older men to some ladies. At first glance, a girl like Connie could see him and his car and feel secure. I’m sure the constant “get in” demands probably didn’t help her feel secure at all, but his appearance (or of men of similar preying prowess) could have had a significant effect on the ladies. This guy was a total piece of work, a slimy scumbag that I had a very tough time reading about. This story was perfect for the class, but definitely hard to stomach.