In today's society, value always seems to be placed upon certain external
             qualities such as beauty and riches. Unfortunately, one's inner beauty is
             often overlooked. In the short story "Where Are You Going, Where Have
             You Been?" reflections seem to be a key element in the portrayal of a
             person's true character. Joyce Oates uses Connie's own reflections in
             mirrors, sunglasses, and shadows to convey the message that outward
             appearances are ultimately in vain, for while outward beauty is fleeting,
             Connie, a fifteen year old self absorbed teenage girl is concerned with
             only two things in life, being beautiful and boys. She's so enthralled in her
             outward appearance that she pays no attention to how things are on the
             inside. She utterly despises her sister June for being so "boring" and doesn't
             want to be anything like her. Even though she isn't happy in her own life,
             every time she finds a mirror she's swept away into some "trashy
             daydream." Connie is so consumed by her vanity that she totally ignores her
             family and in the same since, God as well.
             Her sister June, on the other hand, is a seemingly perfect model
             according to Connie's mother. Although June isn't as pretty as Connie, she
             conducts herself in a matter that suggests that she portrays a young woman
             of good character and inner beauty. Connie's mother, however, is always
             comparing the two girls in everything, and no matter what Connie does, she
             always seems to be a dark reflection of her sister. I think this, in a subtle
             way, is expressing that inner beauty is more important outward beauty.
             Another key element of reflections is the mirrored image in Arnold
             Friend's sunglasses. The image which the sunglasses portray is one of
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