The main character was fired from the job because, in his opinion, the manager behaved inappropriately with the girls who were customers of the store. The boy thought that the manager’s behavior was not fair and that girls in bathing suits had the right to buy groceries like that. It is significant to mention that Lengel is a friend of Sammy’s parents, which is why he helped find a job for their son (Updike, 1961). Accordingly, the boy’s abrupt decision to be fired would upset his parents. The protagonist decides not to inform his parents about leaving the store on the same day. However, he walked around town for the rest of his shift and thought about the next day and his parents’ reactions.
In the morning, when Sammy was awake, he informed his mother that he did not need to iron a shirt because he was no longer working at the store. The boy’s mother became extremely angry because the family did not have enough money, and her son’s part-time job was necessary. Sammy’s father decided to ask the boy about the reasons for firing him and listened to the whole story. He explained to the protagonist that one should wear more than just a bathing suit in a public place where groceries are stored (Updike, 1961). Sammy considered his father’s opinion but did not think he was right about the situation. At the same time, the father of the central character attempted to clarify that the seller does not discriminate against shoppers because of their appearance or age. Accordingly, an older woman, girls in bathing suits, and a mother with several children are entitled to receive equal attention from the seller (Updike, 1961). Therefore, the parents telephoned the store owner, apologized for their son’s behavior, and asked him to hire him again. However, Sammy had to apologize and abide by the store’s rules.
When the boy left the house, he was annoyed that he had to humiliate himself in front of Lengel. Around the corner, Sammy saw those girls from the store and decided to talk to them, but they did not see him and didn’t recognize him as their protector yesterday. The girls do not even want to speak to the boy because they think he is too young and not worthy of attention. After this incident, Sammy realized that the shopkeeper was right and tried to ask the girls to follow the rules of conduct. It was because they had violated the general policies of the store and made the other customers ashamed (Updike, 1961). When the boy returned to the store, he apologized for thinking the manager’s comments and suggestions were too harsh. The story trained Sammy to abide by the rules of subordination and not fulfill his desires. Consequently, he did not distinguish customers because of their appearance but treated everyone fairly. In this way, the protagonist changed his deficiencies regarding inattention to other buyers, customer appreciation of beauty, and non-compliance with store rules.
Reference
Updike, J. (1961). A & P. The New Yorker.