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Narcissism In Where Are You Going Where Have You Been

744 Words3 Pages

Introduction, Hook. The short story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” written by Joyce Carol Oates revolves around the dangers of narcissism. By the end of “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” Connie, the main character, is () in a () of unfavorable circumstances, this development, influenced to some degree by the failings of society, and lack of proper parental support i due mostly to Connie’s foolish actions and narcissistic attitude.

Throughout the course of events in the story the influences of society drive Connie to behave in certain ways leading to unforeseen consequences. Evidenced in the article by A. R. Coulthard “Joyce Carol Oates’s “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” as Pure Realism” by the quote, “Connie rides home from the mall “sleepy and pleased” because she has sated her appetite for cheap diversion for another night. Her “dreams” are …show more content…

Connie’s Parents, neglectful and somewhat abusive throughout the story, by means of their apathy and resentful badgering drive her to seek escape away from home. This evidenced in Christina M. Gillis’s ““Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?”: Seduction, Space, And A Fictional Mode” by the quote “Connie is then, constantly at odds with her family, ever looking forward to her excursions to the drive-in...” As a result of the constant parental neglect and verbal abuse Connie feels unsafe unloved and unwelcome at home forcing her to seek refuge and some semblance of being loved in her outings with friends to the mall, drive-in, and other local “hangouts”. Connie herself, capitulating to the pressures

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