Character Analysis Of Connie In Joyce Carol Oates 'Where Are You Going'

Have you ever done anything selfish, stupid, and change yourself? Well, Connie has done all of the above Connie changes herself around certain social groups. She’s selfish because she only cares about herself and her image towards people. And she hangs out with the older kids, who are a bad influence. In Joyce Carrol Oates’ Where are you going, Where have you been, Connie’s naivetea leads to her rape and brutal murder.
Connie changes herself around certain social groups. For example, her laugh; which is cynical and drawling at home but high pitched and nervous anywhere else. Her mouth is different because it’s pale and smirking most of the time, but bright and pink on the nights out. Her laugh is very prominent. Because Arnold said he liked her laugh. …show more content…
“Sometimes Connie goes across the highway, ducking fast across the busy road, to a drive-in restaurant where the older kids hang out.” It’s dumb that Connie goes across a busy road just to go hang out with the older kids. She could die or be seriously injured. A guy named Eddie asked Connie if she would like something to eat. She eventually says yes and she left the safety of her friend and went with Eddie to his car. That was stupid; she could have been brutally murdered. And she should not leave her friend who could have protected her. At the drive-in she notices a guy in a golden car and he says “Gonna get you baby.” That man was Arnold Friend. He drives up to her house and says am I late? Connie toys with the idea of going on a drive with the stranger. Not only is it stupid but it’s dangerous but, she doesn't go with him. Where are you going, Where have you been by Joyce Carrol Oates ends with Connie being raped and killed. What leads to her death is her selfishness, her stupidity, and her actions. If you want to learn more about this wonderful short story you can Google it or ask a friend for some insight to the great piece of