Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?

Connie seemed like an average teenager in this story. She would rather hang out with her friends then families, listens to music, and think she is better than everyone else she comes in contact with. She always needed to be the prettier and skinnier one in other people’s eyes. Connie’s mother looked down on her and relates what Connie does with her sisters accomplishments. When reading the story the beginning seemed like the mother was after Connie because she use to be like her. Connie going through old albums saw picture of her mother “she was pretty once too, if you could believe those old snapshots…” (Oates 509). The mother punished Connie for being pretty and it seemed to me that is why Connie acted the way she did. Towards the end of the story we were introduced to Arnold Friend who I believe was Connie’s other half in the story. Arnold talked like a song that was playing, his voice sounded relaxing when he said that, “I know your name and all about you...” (Oates 514). He knew somehow to get Connie to come out of the house and go with him. Arnold would be the side of Connie that no one else knew about. This side showed feelings and that your looks are not everything. Arnold does not seem to be the most attractive character in the story with his sunglasses and stuffed boots on. When they left she was able to go somewhere with someone new and not letting anyone else know about her past and how it was all a joke and a big fake act.