What are some comparisons between Sammy in "A & P" and Connie in "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been"?
This question asks for comparisons between Connie in "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been" and Sammy from "A&P," so I believe that the question is leaning toward finding similarities between the two characters. While a reader's initial reaction might be to claim that they are nothing alike, I do believe that some similarities exits between them. Both characters are quite young characters. They are both teenagers. Sammy is nineteen and Connie is fifteen. This makes them quite naive about the world and the repercussions of their actions. Connie carries herself in such a way that makes her appear that she is up for anything. A boy asks her out, and she agrees without question. She seems to exist in a world that listens to the same music that exists in her head, and she doesn't seem to think that anything or anyone can hurt her. By the end...
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of the story, she has learned differently.
Sammy feels that he is similarly invincible. It's what allows him to look at his customers like they are sheep. It's what allows him to think that his "heroic" action of quitting is going to make some kind of difference. I believe that I also have to include that both characters are very much interested in the opposite sex. When Arnold shows up, Connie is immediately worried about how she might look rather than making sure she should open the door in the first place. Sammy never questions the futility of his quitting and losing his job because he is trying to impress a pretty face.