(INTRO): The most crucial and pivotal part of a storyline is the ending. Oftentimes, a movie and a book based on the same storyline will differ in a multitude of ways. Consequently, the entire interpretation of a story is based on the ending. This concept is expressed in the intricate and intriguing plots of the short story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been” by Joyce Carol Oates and the movie Smooth Talk. (THESIS): The ending of the short story is more effective than the ending of the movie because it leaves more to the imagination with its graphic scenes that emphasize Connie’s complex relationship with her mother and show a transformation in Connie’s personality.
(Imagination) In the movie, it is very clear and evident what Arnold …show more content…
Connie’s thoughts and feelings are expressed much more vividly than are portrayed in the film. Connie’s thought process of perceiving Arnold as a friend to a foe is shown. When Arnold first approaches Connie, she is intimidated and wants to impress him. Connie has always loved attention, so when Arnold appears on her front step, she does not initially push him away. She is intrigued by this mysterious dark haired boy who was wearing dark sunglasses, which served to hide his true identity. She does not necessarily see Arnold as a threat until his mannerisms begin to change and she learns who he really is. Connie begins to see through Arnold’s fake exterior and becomes aware of his true intentions. Arnold begins to take possession of Connie by calling her his lover. He tells Connie personal things about her life, such as who her friends are and what her family is doing at that exact moment. This revelation drives Connie to the realization that Arnold has been watching her for some time now. Connie begins to become frantic, trying to increase the space between them by closing the screen door between them. Oates writes that Connie’s “heart was almost too big for her chest and its pumping made sweat break out all over her” (Oates 201). This describes in extensive detail how terrified Connie was becoming. In the movie, Connie’s thoughts and feelings are …show more content…
For instance, at the beginning of the short story, it is expressed that Connie does not get along well with her mother, as it is in the movie. Her mother tends to choose her perfect and plain sister, June, over her. In the beginning of the story, Oates writes that Connie wishes “her mother was dead and she herself was dead and it was all over” (194). This statement is later known to be particularly ironic, as Connie later becomes terrified for her life when Arnold tries to lure her into his car. Connie, fearful for her safety, cries out for her mother. Because of this, it is evident that Connie has undergone an astounding emotional change. To elaborate, it is obvious Connie is not as strong, confident, or impassive as she acts or as she is perceived to be. Connie shows her weakness by giving herself up to Arnold instead of fighting back. This concept is shown in a much more thorough way in the short story than in the movie. The Connie in the short story shows her weaknesses that give her a dynamic personality; the Connie in the movie puts up a front and does not let others see her true personality. Showing Connie’s complete transformation gives more insight into the true meaning of the
(Imagination) In the movie, it is very clear and evident what Arnold …show more content…
Connie’s thoughts and feelings are expressed much more vividly than are portrayed in the film. Connie’s thought process of perceiving Arnold as a friend to a foe is shown. When Arnold first approaches Connie, she is intimidated and wants to impress him. Connie has always loved attention, so when Arnold appears on her front step, she does not initially push him away. She is intrigued by this mysterious dark haired boy who was wearing dark sunglasses, which served to hide his true identity. She does not necessarily see Arnold as a threat until his mannerisms begin to change and she learns who he really is. Connie begins to see through Arnold’s fake exterior and becomes aware of his true intentions. Arnold begins to take possession of Connie by calling her his lover. He tells Connie personal things about her life, such as who her friends are and what her family is doing at that exact moment. This revelation drives Connie to the realization that Arnold has been watching her for some time now. Connie begins to become frantic, trying to increase the space between them by closing the screen door between them. Oates writes that Connie’s “heart was almost too big for her chest and its pumping made sweat break out all over her” (Oates 201). This describes in extensive detail how terrified Connie was becoming. In the movie, Connie’s thoughts and feelings are …show more content…
For instance, at the beginning of the short story, it is expressed that Connie does not get along well with her mother, as it is in the movie. Her mother tends to choose her perfect and plain sister, June, over her. In the beginning of the story, Oates writes that Connie wishes “her mother was dead and she herself was dead and it was all over” (194). This statement is later known to be particularly ironic, as Connie later becomes terrified for her life when Arnold tries to lure her into his car. Connie, fearful for her safety, cries out for her mother. Because of this, it is evident that Connie has undergone an astounding emotional change. To elaborate, it is obvious Connie is not as strong, confident, or impassive as she acts or as she is perceived to be. Connie shows her weakness by giving herself up to Arnold instead of fighting back. This concept is shown in a much more thorough way in the short story than in the movie. The Connie in the short story shows her weaknesses that give her a dynamic personality; the Connie in the movie puts up a front and does not let others see her true personality. Showing Connie’s complete transformation gives more insight into the true meaning of the