<P> The narrative has also been viewed as an allegory for initiation into sexual adulthood, an encounter with the devil, a critique of modern youth's obsession with sexual themes in popular music, or as a dream sequence . </P> <P> The story was loosely adapted into the 1985 film Smooth Talk, starring Laura Dern and Treat Williams . Oates has written an essay named "Smooth Talk: Short Story into Film" about the adaptation . </P> <P> The short story is the inspiration and basis for The Blood Brothers' song "The Salesman, Denver Max". </P>

Where are you going where have you been by joyce carol oates