Sammy leaving his job is a modest form of rebellion. The story “A&P” was published in 1961, an era when social outlooks clashed over the appropriateness of ideas, dress, appearance, race, and social standing. Sammy is rebelling against the conservative generation, in this story represented by Mr. Lengel. For example, Queenie and the other two teenage girls were dressed, in Mr. Lengel’s opinion, too risqué to be strolling in public. Mr. Lengel informs the girls “We want you dressed decently when you come in here” to which the girls responded “We are decent”. In my thoughts, this short story shows a form of rebellion by the youth of the time. As with any generation, teens asks, “Who do these adults think they are?” Sammy’s actions are a rebellion
