The story was loosely adapted into the 1985 film Smooth Talk, starring Laura Dern and Treat Williams.[16] Oates wrote an essay about the adaptation, "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" and Smooth Talk: Short Story Into Film, in 1986.[17]
The story has also been cited as an inspiration for Rose McGowan's 2014 short film Dawn as well as The Blood Brothers' 2003 song "The Salesman, Denver Max".[18][19][20][21]
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The Question and Answer section for Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been? is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.
Arnold Friend, the story’s primary antagonist, is a strange and ambiguous character. Theorized to be a devil and a savior, a very real psychopath and a supernatural being, Arnold Friend’s identity is unclear. While Connie’s character is rooted in...
This is only a short answer space. I think that you might consider there might be more read into this story than perhaps the author intended.
Arnold is using what he knows about Connie's family to manipulate her. He does have a point, Connie's family doesn't seem to appreciate her why should she protect them?
