Oates's Short Story 'Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?'

In Joyce Carol Oates’ short story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” she creates a dynamic between Connie and her parents to explore the concept of parental guidance. This story informs readers of the importance of parental guidance to children to prepare them for the outside world. According to “The Parent Gap,” Christopher Dickey argues that “parenting is once again understood—and this should come as no surprise—to be a key element determining the future success or failure of children” (Gale 1), which exemplifies the importance of parental guidance in children’s lives. In her short story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” Oates develops Connie as a rebellious teenager to contrast Connie’s need for her parents to raise her

You think you’re so pretty?” (par 1), which reveals Connie’s mom criticizing Connie over her actions. Connie’s mom disapproves of Connie’s actions because they aren’t raising her due to her needs. Her parent’s critical behavior stems from the lack of knowledge they have on how to raise Connie. Continuing, her mom says “Why don’t you keep your room clean like your sister?” (par 2), which illustrates how Connie’s parents compare her to her sister, June. Connie’s parents' comparative behavior of June emphasizes their approval of June and attempts to raise Connie as if she was June too. Their parenting doesn't work because Connie has different needs than June. After Connie gets criticized, she says “Her mother had been pretty once too, but now her looks were gone and that was why she was always after Connie” (par 1) which reveals why Connie believes her mom criticizes her. Connie and her parents’ lack of connection emphasizes why Connie speaks of her mom in this way. Her mom’s critical language has given Connie bad ways to view and speak of her mother due to their lack of connection. Connie’s parents’ criticism resulted in Connie being unable to be honest about who she