Summary

“Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Joyce Carol Oates tells the story of Connie, a teenager concerned with her looks, who is often scolded by her mother because she is too self-concerned. The girl feels like her older sister Jane is always more appreciated than her although she sees her as a plain, uninteresting woman. The girls’ relationship with their father is almost inexistent, as the man mostly ignores them.

Connie likes spending some of her days with her friends at the shopping plaza, although many times they use the trip to the mall as an excuse to go to a drive-in restaurant across the street, where older students gather.

One evening, Connie is approached by a boy named Eddie, who invites her for dinner. During the time Connie is with Eddie, another boy catches her eyes, one who has a golden painted convertible. The boy also notices Connie and tells her that he is going to have her. However, Connie’s date does not notice this.

Then, one Sunday, Connie is left home alone...