Question

Describe the characterization of Connie. Is she a typical teenage girl of her time and place? What techniques does Oates employ to make her an individual, three-dimensional character?

Answer 1

This question refers to the story "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been" by Joyce Carol Oates.

For the most part, Connie is a typical teenager of her time in this story. We learn that Connie is worried about the things that most teenagers worry about. She is concerned about being beautiful, and well-liked by boys. However, there is some individuality to Connie as well. We learn that she is a lot more vain than most people, and she takes enormous pleasure in her beauty. We also learn that Connie is dishonest, and she adopts different attitudes and personalities at home and elsewhere. The combination of these characteristics make Connie an individual, three-dimensional character.