Life seems to always be about trial and error. Making mistakes is a big part of growing up. Nevertheless, as mistakes are made, there are always valuable lessons to be learned. John Updike illustrates this point, as he guides us through a day in the life of "Sammy", the central character in the story, A&P. John Updike teaches the reader about growing up, as he develops Sammy's character through phases of innocence, experiences, and finally understanding.
             It is just another ordinary day at the local A&P, found in a small town north of Boston.
             Sammy, a cashier, is just another ordinary kid going about his daily routine at work. Then, out of nowhere comes in three girls. These three girls are obviously strangers to the local town. However, Sammy's interest is sparked by one of the girls in particular, Queenie, the "leader" of the three. According to Sammy, the three girls carry in an air of class and style, unlike the average A&P shoppers. To say the least, these girls stand out in the crowd. This seems to make everyone, including the store manager, Lengel, uncomfortable. Everyone, except for Sammy. Sammy continues to be intrigued by the mysterious strangers. At this point, Sammy begins to feel that he may be missing out on something in life and decides to step out of his comfortable bubble and into a whole new world of the unknown.
             As the author begins the story, the reader is given a clear picture of Sammy's innocence. The character's innocence is illustrated at first, in the way he responds to " these three girls in nothing but bathing suits." These girls represent the outside world to Sammy, even a slight bit of rebellion, considering the small bubble that Sammy lives in. These girls, especially Queenie, were most definitely foreign to the small bubble that Sammy and the others lived in. As Queenie purchases "Fancy Herring Snacks", S
             ...