In this world, people like to think they are making a difference. People want to believe they are making a positive impact on others. Sadly, it is not as simple as a smile and a wave. In order to make a difference and see a change, chances must be taken and bravery must be present. The story of “A&P,” written by John Updike, is not merely about girls going shopping in their bikinis, but a story full of critical thinking and analyzing under the surface read. The main character, Sammy, being presented as a “hero” for doing a simple task that many people these days would describe as “being a decent human”. Sticking up for what he initially was against, John Updike’s story, “A&P” is full of characterization and a setting of woman being objectified
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Updike highlights changes in Sammy's character through his actions and words. In the beginning, Sammy starts out as a jerk, fitting right in with the crowd. Not only does he look at and talk about the woman in their swimsuits like they are meat, but also implies that they are dumb. Proving his ignorance, Sammy states, “You never know for sure how girls’ minds work (do you really think it’s mind in there or just a little buzz like a bee in a glass jar?)” (Updike 2). He does not just stop there. When the girls entered the store and shocked everyone by their appearance, Sammy says, “She must have felt in the corner of her eye me and over my should Stokesie in the second slot watching, but she didn’t trip.” (Updike 2). From that moment on, everyone see’s the true colors of Sammy and the way he perceives woman. Abruptly, a change in Sammy's actions occur. He later realizes the things he is saying about the women and the way he …show more content…
He continues to go against the odds by quitting his job in all the wrong ways. In the mid 20th century, respect for men was a huge part of life for everyone. Respect was taught at a young age. When Sammy quits his job, it was not respectful. The right way of quitting a job would be finishing your shift and then giving your manager a two week notice. This was not the case for Sammy. “...remembering how he made the pretty girl blush makes me scrunch inside I punch the No Sale tab and the machine whirs ‘pee-pul’ and the drawer splats out.”(Updike 7). In this moment, Sammy was “heroic.” Taking a stand that was uncommon was something that could make or break him. Sammy was trying to stand for a change and Lengel was picking up on it. Lengel hints to Sammy what he is doing is wrong and will not only affect him but other people, such as his family. “‘Sammy, you don’t want to do this to your Mom or Dad,’ he tells me. ‘It’s true I don't. But it seems to me that once you begin a gesture it is fatal not go through with it.’ ‘You’ll remember this for the rest of your life,’ Lengel says, and I know that’s true…” (Updike 6,7).Through these words Lengel is hitting a topic deeper than the surface read. Sammy is nineteen, quitting a first time job shouldn’t affect his parents or the rest of his life. Clearly, Lengel is warning Sammy that taking a feminist stand is
Updike highlights changes in Sammy's character through his actions and words. In the beginning, Sammy starts out as a jerk, fitting right in with the crowd. Not only does he look at and talk about the woman in their swimsuits like they are meat, but also implies that they are dumb. Proving his ignorance, Sammy states, “You never know for sure how girls’ minds work (do you really think it’s mind in there or just a little buzz like a bee in a glass jar?)” (Updike 2). He does not just stop there. When the girls entered the store and shocked everyone by their appearance, Sammy says, “She must have felt in the corner of her eye me and over my should Stokesie in the second slot watching, but she didn’t trip.” (Updike 2). From that moment on, everyone see’s the true colors of Sammy and the way he perceives woman. Abruptly, a change in Sammy's actions occur. He later realizes the things he is saying about the women and the way he …show more content…
He continues to go against the odds by quitting his job in all the wrong ways. In the mid 20th century, respect for men was a huge part of life for everyone. Respect was taught at a young age. When Sammy quits his job, it was not respectful. The right way of quitting a job would be finishing your shift and then giving your manager a two week notice. This was not the case for Sammy. “...remembering how he made the pretty girl blush makes me scrunch inside I punch the No Sale tab and the machine whirs ‘pee-pul’ and the drawer splats out.”(Updike 7). In this moment, Sammy was “heroic.” Taking a stand that was uncommon was something that could make or break him. Sammy was trying to stand for a change and Lengel was picking up on it. Lengel hints to Sammy what he is doing is wrong and will not only affect him but other people, such as his family. “‘Sammy, you don’t want to do this to your Mom or Dad,’ he tells me. ‘It’s true I don't. But it seems to me that once you begin a gesture it is fatal not go through with it.’ ‘You’ll remember this for the rest of your life,’ Lengel says, and I know that’s true…” (Updike 6,7).Through these words Lengel is hitting a topic deeper than the surface read. Sammy is nineteen, quitting a first time job shouldn’t affect his parents or the rest of his life. Clearly, Lengel is warning Sammy that taking a feminist stand is