Introduction
A&P by John Updike follows the protagonist, Sammy, as he experiences a transformative moment. Throughout the story, the main character changes from a passive, complacent young man to someone starting to question the societal norms and values he has been raised with. The change in Sammy is motivated by several factors, including his exposure to new ideas, a growing sense of individuality, and a desire to stand up for his beliefs.
Sammy’s Change Due to Exposure to New Ideas
At first, Sammy is a cashier at an A&P store, portrayed as a typical young man and a representative of the working class. He is interested in observing others rather than engaging with them. The protagonist refers to the customers as “sheep pushing their carts down the aisle,” which indicates his dislike for them and society in general (Updike 487).
However, as the story progresses, Sammy’s perspective begins to shift as he encounters “three girls in nothing but bathing suits” who visit the store to buy an expensive snack (Updike 487). These characters represent a new world to Sammy, full of liberal ideas and perspectives on life, such as freedom and the right to be different. He admires the girls’ confidence, beauty, and independence, which are in contrast with other customers’ characteristics. Sammy realizes that people from the upper class are less influenced by social restrictions, which inspires him to change his life and be more independent like them.
Furthermore, throughout the course of the story, Sammy becomes increasingly aware of the oppressive norms that society places on individuals. His colleague and the store manager are forced to work a passionless job to support their living and provide for their families.
At the same time, the argument between Lengel and the young customers reveals that social norms are particularly restricting for women, whose appearance and choices are constantly judged. Sammy is struck by the way that the manager of the A&P store speaks to the girls in a condescending and demeaning manner (Updike 489). This realization leads the protagonist to question the traditional norms and values and reconsider the role that he wants to play in the world.
An essential aspect of Sammy’s transformation is his growing sense of individuality. At the beginning of the story, he is a passive young man who seems content with his life as a lower-class worker. However, the girls’ rebellious acts and the manager’s judgment challenge the protagonist’s values and inspire him to take a stand against rules, class division, and discrimination. Sammy becomes increasingly confident and assertive, demonstrating that he is not just going along with the status quo but is actively seeking to define himself and his place in the world. As he announces his decision to quit, he makes a statement against the oppressive traditional values embodied in Lengel’s character (Updike 489).
Furthermore, Sammy’s growing sense of individuality is a key factor in his transformation throughout the story. He finds the courage to fight for his beliefs, even if it means going against society. This determination shows that Sammy has changed and become a strong-willed individual whose beliefs guide his actions. Such characteristics as confidence, assertiveness, and individualism allow the main character to challenge Lengel, who has more power.
Sammy’s Motivation to Quit
Sammy’s decision to quit is motivated by his wish to impress the confident upper-class girls and belong to the new free world they uncovered for him. Sammy hopes that his dramatic act of rebellion against oppressive societal norms will be noticed and appreciated by others. The young man is assertive and confident when he tells the manager that he “didn’t have to embarrass” the girls (Updike 491). In this regard, Sammy supports the feminist values that give women the right to be treated respectfully regardless of their appearance and clothes choices.
Another motivational factor is the urge to act and be different from the rest of the people at the shop. As Sammy abruptly announces that he is quitting, he knows that he goes against the flow and does something unusual (Updike 491). This action will most likely have adverse consequences for his future life and career, and his parents will be devastated by such a rash decision and loss of stability. Nonetheless, Sammy demonstrates that he is willing to fight for his beliefs and demonstrate his individuality. As can be seen, the protagonist’s transformation is completed when he quits his job in an act of courage and determination.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the change in Sammy’s character throughout A&P is influenced by his exposure to new ideas and perspectives, the realization of oppressive societal norms, and a growing sense of individuality and confidence. His desire to defend the girls and their values, as well as the urge to differ from others, motivate his rash and irrational decision to quit. Through his journey, Sammy becomes a more confident and assertive individual. This transformation is an important lesson about the power of individual agency and the importance of standing up for what is right.
Work Cited
Updike, John. “A & P.” 1961. The Bedford Introduction to Literature: Reading, Thinking, Writing, edited by Michael Meyer, 6th ed., Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2002, pp. 487-91.
Loading...
