Maci Layton Mrs. Ruiz English 102 April 9, 2024 Defying Expectations in Super Market Society In John Updike’s story “A & P,” the protagonist Sammy embarks on a journey of self-discovery that illuminates the transformative power of rebellion and self-assertion of social norms. Three girls from the beach walk into the grocery store in their bathing suits. The whole store is in disbelief at their appearance. During this time, everyone stares at them as they walk up and down the store’s aisles. The girls are confronted by the manager, Lengel, because of their appearance, and that causes Sammy, a checkout clerk, to make a decision that affects the rest of his life. In the plot, Sammy’s character undergoes a significant transformation from a passive observer of social norms to a rebellious and bold individual who asserts his self-determination with an impulsive decision to conform to his environment.
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Updike explains the situation from Sammy’s point of view, stating, “In walks three girls in nothing but bathing suits. I’m in the third check-out slot, with my back to the door, so I don’t see them until they’re over by the bread.I stood there with my hand on a box of HiHo crackers, trying to remember if I rang it up or not. I rang it up, and the customer started giving me hell” (17-18). From the first sighting of the girls, Sammy is shocked. Sammy closely watches the girls move through the aisles, grabbing different items without any active part in their behavior. The author continues to explain Sammy's actions, illustrating, “From the third slot, I looked straight up this aisle to the meat counter, and I watched them all the way” (Updike 18-19). The girl’s behavior amused Sammy. Without customers in his check-out slot, he continues to watch the girls aisle to
Updike explains the situation from Sammy’s point of view, stating, “In walks three girls in nothing but bathing suits. I’m in the third check-out slot, with my back to the door, so I don’t see them until they’re over by the bread.I stood there with my hand on a box of HiHo crackers, trying to remember if I rang it up or not. I rang it up, and the customer started giving me hell” (17-18). From the first sighting of the girls, Sammy is shocked. Sammy closely watches the girls move through the aisles, grabbing different items without any active part in their behavior. The author continues to explain Sammy's actions, illustrating, “From the third slot, I looked straight up this aisle to the meat counter, and I watched them all the way” (Updike 18-19). The girl’s behavior amused Sammy. Without customers in his check-out slot, he continues to watch the girls aisle to