In both A&P and Araby, adolescence is used as a major component of the central theme. The works both contain the same underlying ideas and theme, their similarities emphasize their literary difference as they achieve the same claim, although in different ways, such as their differing use of figurative language and their effect on the audience, differences which combine to illustrate their similarities in characterization, plot, and theme. In A&P and Araby, the theme is that childish infatuation leads to vain actions which end in frustration. Both works employ this theme, as well as similar plot and characterization but are developed using different forms of figurative language, setting, character motivation, and the overall effect on the audience.
