Joyce Carol Oates

"In the Region of Ice"
"Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been"


1

"In the Region of Ice"

Examine how Oates creates and conveys Weinstein's character. What strategies does she use?

2 Discuss Oates' choice to make the teacher a nun. What does Sister Irene's religion contribute to the story's themes?

3 Sister Irene says, "we never demand a logical [consistency]..." whereas Weinstein says "We must demand a logical consistency..." Discuss the concept of logical consistency as it applies to the story.

4

"Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been"

Analyze the character of Connie. What does Oates mean by "Everything about her had two sides to it"?

5 How does Oates use the characters of Connie's mother and sister to explore her themes?

6 Oates is noted for her ability to create stories with terror. How is she able to convey terror in this story? What strategies does she use?


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