A & P - The Other Side of Teenagers

In the story, A&P, John Updike uses many forms of literature to imply and convey certain messages to his readers. The story mainly consists of a 19 year old boy, Sammy, working in a grocery store who makes observations on the “sheep” in the store, as well as these three girls that walk in with only bathing suits on, of which the story revolves around. It gives you a sort of inside perspective to the mind of young men and people that haven’t quite hit adulthood. He uses this view to show how things function in the real world, things that most people don’t notice or pick up on. Through his text, John Updike conveys to the world his views on men versus women, society, and adulthood.

People comment on it all the time, but the real truths behind the world of guys and girls are vast and complex. For one, they usually don’t see each other in the same manner, as guys often see girls as objects of desire, just as Sammy originally does. But that is not always the case, when even Sammy comes the realization and sees the girls as real, equal people while noticing another male making the same wrong observation. Sammy, as a male, is overwhelmed by the girls’ innocence and simplicity and strives to look good in front of them. He feels

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a since of passion as he sees the “Queenie” (the prettiest of the three girls) and relates to her, by judging her character and place by her looks, prose, and speech. John gives us an unusual perspective to society, seeing it from the outside, making observations about how they flock together and so mechanically.

Boys and girls, society, and adulthood are all important issues hidden within the story of A&P, by John Updike. A smaller, but significant part of all this is Sammy’s view on the customers of the store. Sammy is a simple cashier at the local A&P grocery store, and obviously does not like his stagnant job much. Sammy, when the girls are leaving at the end of the story, decides to take some responsibility for his life and quits his dead-end job. Finally, Updike shows how adulthood doesn’t come by itself, it must be earned and realized. Even his friend, , of the age of acts immaturely in reference to the three girls, despite his having a wife and two children of his own. Although he makes his choice rashly and partially in hopes of getting the girls’ attention, he is shortly disappointed and ends up jobless and facing a whole new world that’s full of choices, called adulthood. Sammy gives an insightful view of how guys see girls and react, although not very favorable; although, it does not stay and he soon learns the right way to see women. Being older does not make one an adult is what the story tells us. He does this even to the extent of giving up is job in a foolish attempt to be a “hero,” and “for that he gets nothing at the end, except the experience of a lifetime” (Burris).

Finally, John Updike shares with the readers how adulthood is earned through one’s actions and state of mind. It tells how people act certain ways to fit in, to go unnoticed. Even if when in reach, one must make the leap for it and suffer the consequences that may follow.

Approximate Word count = 862
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

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