Most people in society hold a stereotypical conception of most teenagers. Many individuals have the notion that all teenagers act before they really think of the consequences of what they are exactly getting themselves into. They think teenagers are self-centered and only care about the opposite sex, which can be true. All young people must someday grow up and realize that the choices they make will one day affect them in the future. They must make the transition from adolescents into adults. Authors of literature also can portray all of these ideas in their literary works. They may also use certain literary devices and writing techniques to further emphasize these views.
             These views are shown in two short stories that tell the tale of teenagers who make very crucial, life changing decisions without really considering the consequences of their actions. In "A and P," written by John Updike, a nineteen year old male named of Sammy quits his job to impress three girls in bathing suits, to later realize that he does not know what is in store for him in the future. In "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" written by Joyce Carol Oates, fifteen year old Connie is taken away her home and her family to run off with a strange man in a gold car to start a new life she knows nothing about. The author's of the stories make their character out to be typical teenagers: they are self-involved, resent authority, and can sometimes exaggerate, only to end the stories with the main characters as more mature adults.
             In the story "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" Connie makes a very important decision very quickly that will crucially affect the rest of her life. She is often compared to her older sister, June, who in her mother's perspective is the perfect daughter. Connie feels left with the impression that her mother thinks that "June did this, June did that... and Connie could ...