John Updike A&P Analysis Essay Example

of uncertainty: "I stood there with my hand on a box of HiHo crackers trying to remember if I rang it up or not" (187).

He perennially observes the girls with detailed attention, making note of their clothing, demeanor, and personal characteristics. Particularly, he pays close attention to Queenie, analysing her interaction with the other two girls and her boldness. "She never glanced away or hesitated, this queen's eyes constantly roved across the displays" (189). As the girls stroll through the store, Sammy's mentality starts to shift from merely observing them to devoting his absolute concentration, "I observed them right till the end".

Sammy's intrigue towards the girls prepares the ground for him to crave a change in conditions, an unconscious longing to establish a deeper bond than the typical consumer-staff interaction usually observed during regular A&P days. "The only thing left to do was to lean on the counter waiting for the girls to reappear" (192). As the narrative unfolds, Sammy finds himself in beneficial situations; "the girls approach me" (192). The limitations on the character's capability to create a relationship with these girls have somewhat diminished. Sammy now has the chance and capacity to foster a relationship with these girls.

The initial interaction that Sammy recounts makes clear his powerful attraction to Queenie in particular. "While maintaining her poised demeanor, she retrieves a folded dollar bill from the heart of her textured pink top. Suddenly, the jar feels weighty in my hand. I found this utterly endearing."(192). Sammy is progressively forging a unique bond with Queenie, amping up his desire to catalyze changes and cultivate an even stronger rapport. At this juncture in the narrative, Sammy

is markedly captivated by these young women, shaping an underlying incentive for him to pivot their relationship's trajectory.

As "Lengel makes his entrance" (192), an unexpected chance for change emerges, conveniently right in Sammy's presence. Lengel chooses to scold the girls for their inadequate attire, remarking, "Girls, this isn't the beach" (193). Upon hearing these remarks from Lengel, Sammy seizes a more refined and explicit opportunity, positioning himself to smartly navigate using assorted strategies. The dialogue between Lengel and Queenie escalates as she crafts reasons in response to Lengel's reproach, "My mother asked me to pick up a jar of herring snacks" (194).

At this particular point in the narrative, Sammy suddenly develops a more profound understanding of Queenie, "Suddenly, I dove straight into her voice, reaching her living room" (193). The vivid dreamlike imagery he uses to envision her life, significantly different from his own, aids him in formulating a more comprehensive identity for Queenie. His almost surreal comparison with Queenie lays a foundation for logical reasoning in his desire to not just foster a deeper rapport with, but also gain acknowledgment from Queenie. The heightened interaction between Lengel and Queenie culminates in a minor disagreement, which leaves Queenie embarrassed, "The blush on Queenie's cheeks is more than just a sunburn now" (194).

Lengel chooses to conclude their conversation by reiterating store policies, signaling to Sammy that it's time to process their shopping items for payment. Now, the pivotal moment for Sammy to react based on his emotions has come. The engaging conversation and the multitude of indirect signals concerning Queenie have consumed his thoughts. Consequently, his unwavering resolution to woo her becomes increasingly clear, becoming the

catalyst for the declaration of his next two words - "I quit" (195).

Sammy is optimistic that his audacious statements will attract the notice and affinity of the girls, fostering the rapport he so craves, "with the aspiration that they'll pause to observe me, their unanticipated hero" (195). The phrase 'unanticipated hero' seems to imply that Sammy wishes to declare an identity marked by compassion and rebellion against Lengel's treatment of the girls. However, Sammy's hopes are dashed as the girls fail to understand or react to his bid for a relationship more profound than that of a customer and employee, "they continue on their path, oblivious to his endeavors, moving towards the electric eye" (195).

After all the commotion subsides and the young ladies have exited, Sammy faces a crucial assessment of his character. When presented with a chance to retract his words, he opts to stick with his decision to resign. Sammy asserts, "I believe that if you start something, it's detrimental not to complete it" (196). His convictions are clearly manifested, particularly when the young women are no longer present, implying a deeper intrinsic value. He depicts the A&P patrons as "sheep, witnessing a spectacle," demonstrating his efforts to distinguish himself and assert a declaration.

Sammy's growing realization of the departing girls' dwindling aspirations was overtaken by his own personal principles. He leaned on these as he made the decision to resign. Sammy starts to feel the first impact of his resignation, "I tug at the bow behind my apron and begin to remove it from my shoulders" (195). Lengel tries to convince Sammy to remain, "This is not something you want to impose

on your parents" (195), emphasizing that Sammy’s choice will impact not just him, but also those he holds dear, an additional layer to the aftershocks he will endure.

Recalling how he caused a beautiful girl to blush, Sammy comments "it gives me a peculiar feeling inside" (195). This sheds light on his viewpoints about the inappropriate ethical treatment of girls, suggesting that Sammy does have the moral flexibility to align his judgement with his personal values. Sammy can draw numerous crucial lessons from this scenario. Despite his impulsive behaviour, his empathy was notable. However, he wasn't able to yield a truly beneficial result from his actions.

He labels the circumstances as “sad” (192), and rightfully so. By the conclusion of the narrative, Sammy has a sudden understanding, realizing “How hard the world was going to be to me hereafter” (196). In retrospect, it seems as though Sammy is finally coming to terms with his choices and the resulting consequences. While Sammy evidently has the audacity to stand up for his beliefs, he needs to understand that future decisions carry implications and may require more reasonable evaluation before being implemented.

The account commences as a regular day at the A;P for Sammy, but it concludes with him scrutinizing his intentions and rationalization of his actions, whilst opposing the societal norms of the A;P. This event offers Sammy an important experience and lesson for someone of his age in John Updike's A&P. It illustrates a clash of wills - Sammy's decision to challenge a societal construct based on ethical reasoning and shows the repercussions linked to this rebellion.

Considering the ethical values of our times, and the choices we all

have to make; A;P encapsulates a scenario from which we can derive valuable lessons. Appreciating the underlying inspiration behind Sammy's choice aids in understanding his impulsive decision, providing a more precise perception of his personality, and the decision-making process. Sammy, being a teenager in a stage of growth and learning, stands much to gain if he learns from his own actions. Otherwise, if he opts to ignore his actions and proceeds as usual, he might find himself in a cycle of repeated past mistakes.

Maintain the and their contents while the text below. The paragraph,

, is currently empty.