Similarities Between A & P And Araby

A common misconception is that the longer the literary piece, the more impactful it will be. Short stories can create powerful pieces based on common narrative models. A&P and Araby demonstrate the archetypal coming of age narrative. Although using emotional tones, singular characters, and unique settings distinct from each other, John Updike and James Joyce were able to provide the same fundamental plot. Both short stories are placed in between the mid nineteenth century and early twentieth century. A&P is based in a grocery store “five miles from a beach, with a big summer colony out on the point, but [...] right in the middle of town” (463). John Updike sets a light hearted summer scene. In Araby, the setting is in the middle of winter. Night falls early and the cold air stings. James Joyce creates a very dank, somber

He describes the sky above as “the colour of ever-changing violet” (213). Sammy’s boss, lengel, argues with the girls that entered the A&P store. He states that their attire does not fit the stores code. Lengel is the main antagonist in the story from Sammy’s point of view. Although the young boy in Araby does not have a clear antagonist, it is evident that he is frustrated when the bazaar is closed. A&P and Araby show the growth of their protagonists from boyhood to transitioning into adulthood. In A&P a young cashier, Sammy, catches sight of three girls entering the store after being at the beach. He spots out who he calls the queen of the three, the one that led the others. Sammy goes into detail about the girls’ appearance although he has never met them. He gains affection toward the girls, especially “Queenie”. In Araby, the unnamed young boy often plays with his friends in the streets. He begins to