Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?

Character & Motivation: Connie has "two sides" to her personality — one at home and another when she’s out. How does this duality make her more vulnerable to Arnold Friend's arrival? What does this reveal about the pressures faced by teenage girls?

Symbolism & Allegory: Many critics interpret Arnold Friend as a symbolic figure (like the Devil, Death, or a predatory society). What textual evidence supports or challenges these interpretations? How does the story's dedication to Bob Dylan play into this?

Power & Control: In what ways does Arnold Friend use language, music, and his knowledge of Connie’s life to gain control over her? What insights does Oates provide about manipulation in everyday situations?

The Role of Popular Culture: Music and media are key aspects of Connie's identity. How does Oates utilize popular culture to draw Connie toward Arnold Friend and to critique the society that influenced her?

The Ending: The story ends on a deliberately ambiguous note. What do you think happens to Connie after she steps outside? What effect does Oates create by leaving the ending unresolved?

Coming-of-Age & Loss of Innocence: How can this story be understood as a coming-of-age narrative? Is Connie’s experience a rite of passage, a tragedy, or perhaps both? Support your reasoning with evidence from the text.

Character & Motivation: Connie shows "two sides" to her identity — one at home and another outside. How does this dual nature make her susceptible to Arnold Friend's manipulation? What does it reveal about the pressures faced by teenage girls?

Symbolism & Allegory: Many critics interpret Arnold Friend as an allegorical or even supernatural figure (like the Devil, Death, or a predator). What details in the text support or challenge this view? How does your interpretation of Arnold Friend alter the story's meaning?

The Role of Music & Pop Culture: The story is dedicated to Bob Dylan, and music significantly influences Connie's world. How does popular culture shape her sense of identity and romance? Does it make her more or less aware of potential dangers?

Power & Control: Examine how Arnold Friend gradually establishes psychological control over Connie during their encounter. What methods does he employ, and at what moment — if any — does Connie lose her ability to resist?

The Ending: Connie ultimately steps out the door towards Arnold Friend. How do you interpret this ending — as an act of surrender, sacrifice, resignation, or something else? What aspects does Oates leave ambiguous, and why might that be intentional?

Social Commentary: What does the story reveal about American society in the 1960s, especially concerning gender roles, family dynamics, and the myth of suburban safety? Are these themes still relevant today?