Where are you going and where have you been?

Creative Response #4: “Where are you going? Where have you been?” Length: 500 words (approximately two pages, double spaced) – more is welcomed multi paragraphs, please! No long rambling paragraphs.

Format: Times New Roman 12, one inch margins, double-spaced

Due February 22, 2026

CHOOSE EITHER A or B (but not all of them).

A. Create a Spotify playlist of four songs for Connie. Create a Spotify playlist of four songs that you would think that Connie would listen to (they can be modern contemporary songs).

Include a introduction to the four songs – discuss the major themes and ideas in the song that relate to the elements of the story.

For each song explain why do you think Connie would choose to listen to these songs. Provide an explanation of why you thought the song was a good choice or fit this characters personality, etc.) Also, for each song provide some specific lyrics and connect those lyrics of the songs to scenes and situations from the story and well as specific quotations from the story. What specific lyrics in the song relate to Connie and her situation? How does the mood of the song fit her character? You may also provide the audio files.

B. Family Counseling: How Can This Family be Saved? Do this in three parts:

1. The first part is a letter to the family counselor from Connie’s point of view in Oates’ short story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” Rather than summarizing the plot of the story. this letter to the counselor should be Connie’s thoughts and feelings about the problems with her relationship with her mother and sister. What aspects of their relationship have changed? What conflicts does she have with them?
2. The second part is a letter to the family counselor from Connie’s mother’s point of view. What does she see is the problem about her relationship with Connie? What would she hope to change in their relationship? What conflicts does she have with her expectations and Connie’s behavior?
3. The third part is a response from the family counselor detailing steps how this family can or cannot be saved. What should each of the family members do to resolve the conflicts from the counselors professional point of view?

Include five open ended questions about “Where are you going? Where have you been?”

NEXT-

Respond in depth to any THREE QUESTIONS posted by other students in the class. Each response should be at least 5 sentences in length. Take your time to write a thought-provoking response to each question – just don’t write a one sentence, vague answer. Maybe something you agree/disagree with; something which needs more clarification; something that you want to add to what the student said, etc. Make sure to identify the specific question to which you are replying

QUESTIONS TO CHOOSE FROM

The Cask of Amontillado

1. Why does Montresor carefully plan his revenge instead of acting out in sudden anger?

2. How does the setting in the catacombs make the ending feel more intense?

3. Why do you think we never clearly learn what Fortunato did to Montresor?

4. What does Montresors decision to get revenge show about his sense of right and wrong?

5. Why does Montresor tell this story 50 years later and how might he feel about what he did?

A Rose for Emily

1. Why does the town continue to watch/judge Emily instead of helping her?

2. Why is the story told out of order and how does that change the way we see Emily?

3. How does the towns gossip influence the way Emilys story unfolds?

4. How does Emilys fear of change affect the choices she makes throughout her life?

5. How does the ending change the way you see Emilys life and the choices she made?

Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?

1. Why does Connie care so much about how others see her?

2. What does Connies final choice show about her growth or loss of innocence?

3. How does Arnold Friend represent more than just one person?

4. How does Connies relationship with her family affect the way she handles danger?

5. How does Arnold use his words to slowly gain control over Connie?