John Updike A & P Reaction

My initial reaction to the story A&P, written by John Updike, was that the narrator was very vivid and expressive when he described the girls. He mentioned “Queenie” had on a “dirty-pink beige top with a little numble all over it,” her straps hanging on her shoulders, and that she had black hair. He stated that other girls think that Queenie is “striking” or “attractive.” (pg. 164) He also talked about the other girl as well, one being “chunky,” with “a bright green two-piece with seams on the bra,” and the third girl as having a “chubby berry face, with the lips all bunched together under her nose.” (pg. 164). While reading the second story, Araby, written by James Joyce, I enjoyed the parts where the main character would obsess over the girl and always follow her around. He was basically in love with her and always thought about her. (pg 169) In Araby, however, I hated the fact that the uncle completely forgot and was oblivious to the fact that he promised the boy he would get him the money for his train fare. But I was surprised that the boy did not give up and still went to Araby to get the girl he liked something. It shows that he never really gives up, and I like that. In A&P, I hated the fact that the manager made dress code such a big deal, to the point that he wouldn’t even give service to the girls. I …show more content…
In A&P, Sammy mentioned that the store was empty, leaving him nothing to do but lean on the register. I work at Publix, so that is basically my job in a nutshell. I can relate to Araby as well because just like his uncle disappointed him, I have also had a similar situation. I once turned a paper into someone working in the front office to put in a teacher’s mailbox. If the grade was not turned in, it would result in a zero. Well the woman in the front office never did turn it in, dropping my grade to an 89 B, I was extremely disappointed, and felt as if I shouldn’t depend on anyone