In the second paragraph of John Updike’s “A&P”, Sammy describes the three girls entering the store in such a manner that reveals more about himself than the young women. The way in which he fantasizes Queenie shows narcissistic and sociopathic tendencies where he sees himself as far more unique than everyone else and his superior attitude towards women.
Sammy views Queenie as a perfect example of how a woman should be: outspoken, beautiful, confident, and non conforming. His description of the “chunky one” ( line 13) and the “tall one” presents them as lesser than Queenie, this shows that he feels they are also lesser than he. Sammy’s concentration on not only the physical aspects of Queenie’s body, but also in the way she walks “straight
Sammy views Queenie as a perfect example of how a woman should be: outspoken, beautiful, confident, and non conforming. His description of the “chunky one” ( line 13) and the “tall one” presents them as lesser than Queenie, this shows that he feels they are also lesser than he. Sammy’s concentration on not only the physical aspects of Queenie’s body, but also in the way she walks “straight