The Consequences Of Rebellion In John Updike's A & P '?

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In many cases, people may be forced by external circumstances to make decisions. However, the results of such decisions can either have a positive or negative impact on the lives of an individual. Such a case is well presented in the story A &P by John Updike where the major character, Sammy is portrayed to be rebellious. His rebellion appears to have more disadvantages than advantages as it complicates his life, which leads him into making uninformed decisions. It is, therefore, true to say that Sammy's rebellion in the John Updike's A & P is more futile than heroic and only makes negative complications in his life. Throughout the story, Sammy’s, the major character, rebellious actions have a negative effect on the customers, his boss, and …show more content…
His absence in the store could have affected the fellow workers and, especially, his manager who is indicated to have been a friend of his parents. "He's been a friend of my parents for years.” (p.323) If Sammy’s parent were there to witness this, they would be ashamed of his dastardly and inappropriate act of manner toward his boss. Moreover, Sammy’s rebellious actions may have affected him financially and disrupted his only source of income. Without money, Sammy won't be able to obtain the necessities of life such as food, games, or clothing. Thus, his rebellious leaves him without girls, job, but only pointless and actions. Thus, although he is angered by Lengel’s outburst toward the girls, he knows now that he only has himself to blame for his …show more content…
It only lands him in trouble and making his life more miserable than before. Although quitting the job could have provided him with an opportunity to get the one that pleased him, it caused him great harm. He lost both his job, the three girls he was defending, and his lack of respect for his boss earned him nothing but poor work relationship. However, there is a likelihood that if given another chance, he would not have repeated the same actions. Leaving his job can be viewed positively because it appears to displease him. Although it is not indicated what happens to him later, this could have been a golden opportunity for Sammy to seek the kind of job that would make him

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