"A & P" by John Updike and "The Cask of Amontillado" by Edgar Allen Poe Analysis of Characters
The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the works "A & P" by John Updike and "The Cask of Amontillado" by Edgar Allen Poe. Specifically it will identify a character in each work that conforms outwardly while questioning inwardly the conventions of their society, and analyze how this nonconformity contributes to the meaning of the works. The two main characters in these works both seem to fit in quite well in "normal" society, and yet they both are nonconformists with their own very different beliefs and morals. The entire meaning and core of these works revolves around these two characters and their nonconformity, without them, the works simply could not exist.In "A & P," Updike takes a very simple character, Sammy the checker, and creates a heroic character that stands up for what he believes in - even if it costs him his job. Sammy speaks out against the way his manager treated the girls in bathing suits, but it does not matter. The girls never know it, and Sammy recognizes it is a fight that has changed his life. He thinks to himself, "[M]y stomach kind of fell as I felt how hard the world was going to be to me hereafter" (Updike). Sammy stood up for what he believed in, but he may have picked t
It seems Montressor could never conceive of another heinous crime such as this, and Sammy has made his statement and must go on. Sammy will never be the same after he stands up for what he believes in. His choice is much more chilling because it is so permanent, and so very evil. Montresor can be charming and quiet persuasive, while Sammy is a typical naive and yet very idealistic teenager. Each of these characters is memorable and likeable in some way. How they react to problems sets them apart. However, they are both nonconformists who appear to fit into society but really do not. Both characters have reached the apex of their nonconformity by the end of the stories, as well. He represents the evil side of not fitting in, while Sammy represents the good side of nonconformity. He may have had this one chance to be a hero, and the rest of his life will be spent in conformity (and perhaps some regret). Both characters share a strong conviction that what they are doing is right, which helps them rationalize their behavior. Thus, both stories depend on the characters doing something uncharacteristic. His solution is chilling and quite permanent. Sammy is not as socially aberrant as Montresor, and because of this, his story is all the more appealing. I hastened to make an end of my labour.
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