Does any story exist without the author’s personal influence of some kind? Even when authors try to exclude their personal lives, somehow features work their way into characters, milieu appears within the setting, or personal conflict represents a theme. This reflects the imperfect human: try as we may, we can rarely hide our true selves. One particular author proves this principle: the many works written by John Updike, a New England author who rose to prominence in the mid-20th century (Moyer par. 1-2), reveals himself in his stories, to readers who look closely enough. Arguably Updike’s most famous short story, “A&P,” delves into the essence of Updike as a flawed human, through his character Sammy. The characterization of Sammy in the short story “A&P,” seems influenced by Updike’s own childhood, ailments, and beliefs.
John Updike’s …show more content…
Updike mentions the loneliness of the “self” within his memoir: “humans cannot be alone” (Self-consciousness: Memoirs 233). For example, in “A&P,” Sammy may perceive himself as alone, as he ruminates without a close friend or confidante, and the girls provide companionship outside in the care-free world (“A&P” 460). This philosophy becomes clearer after reading his memoir: Updike seems to explain Sammy’s quitting his job—what some see as bad choice, but what he sees as an escape, or at least one he can justify: “The self is not only self-protective and self-extending. It can condone its own end…” (Self-consciousness: Memoirs 252). It seems some would interpret Sammy’s quitting as a mistake, walking away from a job that could turn into a career for someone who lacks the technical skills or formal education to reach beyond his current station in life. Other readers, however, may revel in his escape from the confines of a lonely, mundane life, certainly devoid of all the freedom he
John Updike’s …show more content…
Updike mentions the loneliness of the “self” within his memoir: “humans cannot be alone” (Self-consciousness: Memoirs 233). For example, in “A&P,” Sammy may perceive himself as alone, as he ruminates without a close friend or confidante, and the girls provide companionship outside in the care-free world (“A&P” 460). This philosophy becomes clearer after reading his memoir: Updike seems to explain Sammy’s quitting his job—what some see as bad choice, but what he sees as an escape, or at least one he can justify: “The self is not only self-protective and self-extending. It can condone its own end…” (Self-consciousness: Memoirs 252). It seems some would interpret Sammy’s quitting as a mistake, walking away from a job that could turn into a career for someone who lacks the technical skills or formal education to reach beyond his current station in life. Other readers, however, may revel in his escape from the confines of a lonely, mundane life, certainly devoid of all the freedom he