The Theme Of Conformity And Rebellion In John Updike's A & P

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Most short stories lack the full development of characters and focus on other literary elements to help deliver their message. However, in the short story “A&P,” John Updike uses characterization in order to develop the theme of conformity and rebellion. Sammy, the narrator of the story, is a nineteen-year-old boy who has a strong interest in the opposite sex. He is very opinionated, somewhat sarcastic and likes to observe the environment around him. From the moment the girls walk into the store, Sammy begins to soak up every detail of their physical appearance, including their bathing suits, tan lines, posture, and walk. He then begins to dive into the lives of the girls, specifically Queenie’s, the leader group. The way she speaks and her …show more content…

He realizes that in the eyes of Queenie he must seem just like any other worker, which puts him in the same level as Lengel and Stokesie. His desire to detach himself from the normality of A&P is what compels him to quit his job. While doing so, Sammy yells, “I quit,” hoping that the girls hear him and realize that he is their “unsuspected hero.” However, the girls leave without even taking notice of the situation, leaving Sammy with only guilt and doubt over his rash action. Sammy’s desire for Queenie and her attention ends up becoming a desire to escape from the A&P in order to chase a glamorous alternate world and make a new …show more content…

Through his eyes, she comes from a world of sophisticated parents, summer vacations and the freedom to disregard social norms. She also represents superiority and power by being able to disrupt the peace and tranquility of the store just by simply walking around. While the other girls seem embarrassed to roam the store in their swimsuits, Queenie is unaffected by the disapproving glances of the other shoppers and the eager gazes of the male employees. Her elegant and confident stride reveals her awareness of being observed, making it seem like she is putting on a performance of sexual power and independence. However, her self-confidence weakens slightly the moment Lengel challenges her behavior. No longer self-assured and confident, Queenie tries to explain that she is simply buying something for her mom, revealing that she is not quite and adult. This combination of power and vulnerability is what spurs Sammy into rebelling against the conformity he was so used to living

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