Nontas Groumousas
             English 102
             2 February 2001
             Professor Nelson
            
             Sammy: Hero or Anti-Hero
             There are two types of heroes and anti-heroes. A person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life is a hero, such as Martin Luther King, John F. Kennedy, Abraham Lincoln and Jesus. A main character in a dramatic or narrative work that is characterized by a lack of traditional heroic qualities, such as idealism or courage is an anti-hero. I believe Sammy the main character in John Updike's short story "A&P" better fits the definition of an anti-hero because he is ordinary, directionless, and perplexed.
             Updike begins the story "with three youthful girls wearing bathing suits entering the A&P, while young is Sammy working behind the register. Sammy and the other cashier, Stokie marvel at one of the girls Updike calls Queenie. All of a sudden, the store manager Mr. Lengel sees the girls and became livid, because of their skimpy bathing suits. He approached the girls and told them they to either put clothing on or leave. Sammy believes Mr.Lengel is rude to the girls and, reaches deep inside himself and said, "I quit."(A&P 12) This shows that Sammy a hero, but the question is what type.
             Sammy lacks traditional heroic traits, but does posses the most important characteristic, courage: the state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger, fears, and acts out bravery. This enables him to walk up to his boss and say, "I quit", allowing Sammy to face his fears and possibly change his future.
             One main obstacle to Sammy being a hero is the fact that he is ordinary. Hero's are well-noted people like Martin Luther King, and John F. Kennedy. "Sammy is a common person working at the local A&P behind the cash register waiting to ring up the next customer" (A&P 13). This distinguishes him from heroes who give speeche...