In “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been”, the beginning makes me think that Connie is at the edge of adulthood. Just like any teenager, she sneaks out, wants to meet boys, and compulsively checks her reflection in the mirror. I’m pointing out Connie’s obsession with her reflection because of its emphasis on her beauty which gives her a sense of power. Having a bad relationship with her mother and being criticized for being obsessed with her appearance, lying where she goes, and being very interested in boys at fifteen years old is showing Connie being vulnerable and the mother wanting to protect her. To me, Rena Korb’s interpretation of “feminist allegory” best describes this story because Connie identifies herself heavily through music and films of romance. Compulsively checking her reflection in the mirror is only a reflection of how people see her, Connie knew she was pretty and it was everything to her. Arnold staring at her and his sunglasses is a reflection of Connie being vulnerable and not being able to stand up to him. He controls who she is and she obeys him sadly in the end, walking down the path to the car and images her not coming back.
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One thought on “Christian Alvear Discussion 13”
Christian, great analysis. I took the story to be more of a twisted fairytale but I also see it from the feminist allegory side after reading your post. Her beauty was everything to her, it made her feel powerful. Seeing her vulnerable reflection was the end for her, it sent her down that driveway and straight to her demise. Maybe this is why they say “looks aren’t everything” if you don’t have a strong sense of self esteem or better judgement you will end up like Connie. Probably dead. Sad.