"A&P," a short story by John Updike, tells the tale of a young man named Sammy who works as a cashier at a local grocery store called the A&P. One summer afternoon, three girls in swimsuits enter the store and catch Sammy's attention. As he watches them, he becomes increasingly annoyed with the store's manager, Lengel, who scolds the girls for not being properly dressed.
As the girls continue to shop, Sammy becomes more and more drawn to them, particularly to one of the girls, whom he refers to as "Queenie." He admires her beauty and her confidence, and he starts to feel a sense of rebellion against the strict and oppressive rules of the A&P. When Lengel finally asks the girls to leave the store, Sammy makes the impulsive decision to quit his job and follow them out.
On the surface, "A&P" is a simple story about a young man's infatuation with three girls in swimsuits. However, it also touches on deeper themes of conformity, rebellion, and the search for identity. Sammy's decision to quit his job and follow the girls is a clear act of rebellion against the rules and expectations of the A&P, and it marks the beginning of his journey to find his own path in life.
Throughout the story, Sammy is portrayed as a young man who is struggling to find his place in the world. He feels trapped in his mundane job at the A&P and is desperate for something more. When the girls enter the store, he sees them as a symbol of freedom and possibility, and his decision to quit his job and follow them is a way of trying to escape the confines of his mundane existence.
In many ways, Sammy's decision to quit his job is a rash and irresponsible one, and it is clear that he is not fully thought out the consequences of his actions. However, it is also clear that he is tired of living a life that is dictated by the rules and expectations of others. He wants to forge his own path and make his own decisions, and in a way, his rebellion against the A&P is a way of taking control of his own life.
In conclusion, "A&P" is a poignant and thought-provoking short story that explores themes of conformity, rebellion, and the search for identity. Through the character of Sammy, Updike presents a powerful and relatable portrayal of a young man struggling to find his place in the world and make his own decisions. Ultimately, the story serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for oneself and breaking free from the constraints of society.
