How does Oates characterize teenage girls in terms of their dress, mannerisms, attitudes, relationships with parents, and self-image?

In my opinion, Oates does an excellent job of capturing the changes and challenges Connie faces. Fifteen is a major time of change for young women, who are no longer children...... all caught up in becoming women, and yet, not quite sure exactly what is expected of them.

Connie is rebellious..... not uncommon. Her choice of dress is meant to titillate...... she experimenting with her own desire for attention and desire to attract young men. She's looking for a boyfriend, but in reality, she looking for the idea of a boyfriend...... believing she should have one but not really wanting one. She lies about where she is going and who she is with, and she pushes the boundaries of acceptable behavior. All in all, Connie isn't so different from most teenage girls, possibly she's more forward, more daring. Unfortunately, it's the daring..... the pushing of boundaries that exposes her vulnerability and makes her so attractive to Arnold and the danger he presents.