Summary Of 'Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?'

Story: “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” 1970

Author: Joyce Carol Oates, 1938 – Present

Central Character: Connie is the main character. She is a vain fifteen-year-old girl. Connie openly gawks at herself in the mirror and knew she was pretty. (664). She had a high breathless, amused voice. Other Characters: Connie has an older sister named June. June is twenty-four years old and still lives at home. However, unlike Connie, June was plain and chunky. Then there is Connie’s mother, “who had been pretty once too,” (664). Moreover, there is Arnold Friend. “He wasn’t tall, only an inch or so taller... he was dressed: tight faded jeans stuffed into scruff boots…he looked as if he did some hard work, lifting and carrying things.” (668).

Some parts of the story take place at a restaurant.

Narrator: The story is told from the third person point of view. Giving us a clear look into Connie’s thoughts.

Summary: (1). Connie and her friends go to the restaurant where all the older kids hang at. (2). Connie meets a boy named Eddie and she hangs out with him for a few hours. (3). The next morning Connie’s parents are getting ready to go to a family barbeque, to which Connie protests. (4). Shortly after her parents leave, Arnold Friend looks to seducing Connie. (5). Connie says she will call the police. However, Arnold pulls an ultimatum saying he will come and get her. (6). Finally, Connie gives in and finds, “that she is going to it.” (675).

Tone: The tone of the story is one that is ominous. The minute that Connie finds herself being seduced by Arnold Friend. We can only infer that it’s not going to end well.

Style: I thought it was interesting how the story was written. The narrator begins with telling us, “Her name was Connie. She was fifteen…” (664). The story seems to be written in the past tense almost as if these events had already occurred. Because of this, the word, “was” gives the impression that Connie