John Updike's short story “A&P” focuses on youthful rebellion and includes what it is like to stand up for what one believes in. Sammy, a nineteen-year boy works at the A&P, a quiet store in the middle of a true suburban town. In the modest year of 1962, three girls walk in the store in nothing but swimsuits, distracting Sammy from his work at the cash register. He makes some admirable comments in his head while the uptight store manager, Lengel, approaches them for “inappropriate clothing”. Queenie, the leader of the girls, tried to argue that they decently dressed for the occasion but still ended up getting kicked out. Once the girls leave, Sammy stands up for what he believes is right with an “I quit”. Sammy makes this sudden outrageous
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Stokesie, only about three years older than Sammy with one extensive difference. Stokesie is already married and supplied with a family of two children. He works at the old-fashioned A&P with little customers for his way to pay for his family. “..but as far as I can tell, that’s the only difference,” (page 2). Sammy mentions how similar he appears to his colleague and friend. Resembling Stokesie's maturity seem lower than most of those that take on a family, coming close to Sammy’s. “‘Oh Daddy,’ Stokesie said behind me. ‘I feel so faint,’” (page 2). Making immature comments, he teases Sammy. Sammy’s life in three years will not include him as an immature adult having to take on difficult responsibilities. Leaving in the current moment for what he believes in, will save Sammy from continuing the cashier position at the A&P. Later on, he will have no reasonable excuse to quit.
In conclusion, Sammy quit his job in the short story “A&P”, by John Updike because he feels his sense of identity at risk. Even if the girls know nothing about his “heroic action”, he stood up for what he believed in. Sammy realizes the world ongoing will get difficult for him, but only because people like Lengel will always have power over him. Therefore making him always pressured to contain his thoughts and
Stokesie, only about three years older than Sammy with one extensive difference. Stokesie is already married and supplied with a family of two children. He works at the old-fashioned A&P with little customers for his way to pay for his family. “..but as far as I can tell, that’s the only difference,” (page 2). Sammy mentions how similar he appears to his colleague and friend. Resembling Stokesie's maturity seem lower than most of those that take on a family, coming close to Sammy’s. “‘Oh Daddy,’ Stokesie said behind me. ‘I feel so faint,’” (page 2). Making immature comments, he teases Sammy. Sammy’s life in three years will not include him as an immature adult having to take on difficult responsibilities. Leaving in the current moment for what he believes in, will save Sammy from continuing the cashier position at the A&P. Later on, he will have no reasonable excuse to quit.
In conclusion, Sammy quit his job in the short story “A&P”, by John Updike because he feels his sense of identity at risk. Even if the girls know nothing about his “heroic action”, he stood up for what he believed in. Sammy realizes the world ongoing will get difficult for him, but only because people like Lengel will always have power over him. Therefore making him always pressured to contain his thoughts and