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A&P

            The story A&P by John Updike can be analyzed on two levels; the time in which the story takes place and the time when Sammy will eventually have to live on his own. First, the story seems to take place between the late 1950's and early 1960's. This is important because Sammy is nineteen and still living with his parents, however during this time it does not seem as much of a problem as it does today, most people did not go to college as they do today around Sammy's age. For Sammy a job at the A&P is probably the best that he can get. Updike explains other jobs that are possibly available in such a small town, " you can see two banks an the Congregational church an the newspaper store an three real-estate offices." All of these jobs are either lower than his current job (newspaper store) or over qualified for him because he obviously does not have much education. He has been working in the job for a long time this is hinted by how he knows were everything in the store, "they all three of them went up the cat-and-dog-food-breakfast-cereal-macaroni-rice-raisins-seasonings-spreads-spaghetti-soft-drinks-crackers-and-cookies aisle." He does have a special talent that is a mind of a poet, however he does not have the vocabulary to express it. He tries to explain the beauty of a girl that goes through the store but can not quite express it, "With the straps pushed off, there was nothing between the top of the suit and the top of her head except just her clean bare plane of the top of her chest down from the shoulder bones like a dented sheet of metal tilted in the light." .
             Sammy obviously does not have much contact with women his age and views them as inferior almost to the point of objects. He explains that the children that the man he is working with are, "chalked up on his fuselage already." When he sees a girl that walks in a swimsuit with two of her other friends he is appalled by her and follows her every move, however she pays no attention to him.


Essays Related to A&P

1. Character Analysis - A&P by John Updike

In John Updike's short story, "A&P ", includes Sammy, the protagonists, Lengel, the store manager, three girls, who walk into the store wearing only bathing suits, and the local people who are as well shopping through the grocery store. ... John Updike's "A&P"" expresses an artful beginning through his deep description of the three girls in their bathing suits when they first walk into the store. ... Sammy in one way or another can be compared to an artist, as he first notices the beauty and exotic nature if the girls, rather than their contrast to what is expected of the people who ...

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In the classic short story "A & P", John Updike portrays a pessimistic view of the role of the individual in society. ... However, the views that Updike presents in "A & P" are not out-dated and still have relevance to today's society. ... Because of the girls" different appearance and behavior from the usual shoppers in the A & P, Sammy couldn't help but stare. ... This is exemplified through his description of the other shoppers in A & P. ... Through his description of the A & P, Updike shows the boredom of Sammy's job, " the cool of the A & P, under the fluorescent lights...

  • Word Count: 696
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5. A & P

In the short story, "A & P," John Updike's character, Sammy, transforms from an adolescent, who knows very little about life, to a young man with a long, rough road ahead of him. ... This quotation is essential because it depicts Sammy's happiness as he leaves the A & P knowing that he will never return as an employee. This passage occurs after Sammy tells his boss, Lengel, that he no longer wants to work at the A & P. ... In conclusion, this quotation exemplifies Sammy's happiness as he leaves the A & P. ... He realizes that his unemployed life is not going to be easy, but he...

  • Word Count: 409
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6. a and p

In the short story, "A&P", Sammy, a nineteen year old checker at the A&P, a local grocery store, experiences some unusual customers that end up affecting his entire life through a series of events. ... Stokesie suggests what Sammy might become if he were to continue to work at the A&P. ... In "A&P" making sense of the symbolism was obscure because of the intricacy of Sammy's personality. ... His need for life outside of the A&P is essential. In conclusion, "A&P" creates an in depth example of many literary concepts used to write a brilliant short story such as; first person narration, ...

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7. A&P

The A&P John Updike uses Sammy's attitude toward the people and the town along with the setting of the dreary atmosphere of the A&P to exhibit his change from a young, immature boy to a man who is finally ready to experience the fruits of growing up. ... Updike uses two types of setting, beginning with a manufactured setting, the A&P. Sammy's job as a clerk at the A&P is of comfort and stability in a little, routine-oriented community just north of Boston. ...

  • Word Count: 468
  • Approx Pages: 2
  • Grade Level: High School

8. A&P

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9. A&P

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  • Word Count: 1283
  • Approx Pages: 5
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  • Word Count: 437
  • Approx Pages: 2
  • Grade Level: High School

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