“It’s All Over Now Baby Blue.”

1.
This story is dedicated to Bob Dylan.  Why?
2.
Oates has written that at the end of the story, Connie is a hero.  Why would Oates say this?  Does this change the nature of the ending or the meaning of the story itself?

3.
Why does Connie go with Arnold and Elie?  Why can’t she resist him?  Is she flawed in some way?  Is it her own fault or is Oates critiquing society for not giving Connie the tools to protect herself?
4.
Oates has said that she was inspired to write this story by Bob Dylan’s song “It’s All Over Now Baby Blue.”  She even dedicates the story to him.  Find the lyrics to the song and read them.  What connections do you see?
5.
How is religion represented in this story?  Are there any symbols, characters, allusions, or language that signifies a specific type of religion or a different kind of religion?

6.
How would you describe Connie’s relationship with her mother, sister, and father? What is “missing” from the family? And why does Connie wish “her mother was dead and she herself was dead and it was all over?”
7.
Arnold tells Connie that she will protect her family from harm if she comes with him.  How important is that information in winning her over to his will?

8.
Arnold asks Connie “What else is there for a girl like you but to be sweet and pretty and give in?”  In what sense might this be true?
9.
Why do you think Oates chose the title “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?”  Why do you think the title is a question?

10.
What is the significance of the name of Arnold Friend?  What clues in the story tell us that he is not Connie’s friend – that he has violent intentions?  In what ways does he resemble common evil threats like Satan?