Lecture Notes: "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been" by Joyce Carol Oates

Introduction

• Presenter: Dominic
• Topic: Analysis of the short story "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been"
• Importance of learning from the story

Family Dynamics

• Characters:
  • Connie:
    • 15 years old, described as very pretty
    • Receives little positive attention at home
  • June:
    • 24 years old, lives at home, less pretty than Connie
    • Often praised by their mother
  • Parents:
    • Father: Non-existent, pays little attention to daughters
    • Mother: Critical of Connie's focus on beauty; may resent her for it

Connie's Social Life

• Enjoys going out with friends to drive-in restaurants
• Meets a boy at a drive-in; spends three hours with him
• Reflects positively on the experience

Turning Point

• One Sunday, Connie's family goes to a barbecue, leaving her home alone
• A boy from the drive-in shows up at her house, tries to persuade her to go for a ride
• Connie feels reluctant and attempts to call the police
• The boy threatens Connie, implying her family might get hurt if she doesn't comply

Analysis of the Situation

• Key Questions:

  • How did this situation occur?
  • How can it be prevented in the future?

• Contributing Factors:

  • Negligent father
  • Critical, possibly resentful mother
  • Connie's identity tied to her beauty, which attracts predators
  • The older male predator who preys on vulnerable girls

Broader Context

• The father's negligence and mother's criticisms contribute to Connie's vulnerability
• Connie's focus on beauty leads to misinterpretations of her availability by others
• The need to understand underlying stories of the parents’ behaviors
• Acknowledgment of parental responsibility in shaping the situation

Conclusion

• The story reveals complex family dynamics and social issues
• Importance of examining these factors to understand the protagonist's plight
• Encouragement to engage with the material and leave comments for discussion

Note: These notes summarize the key points from the lecture for easy reference and studying.