Editor's Choice

What are some comparisons between Lengel and Sammy in John Updike's "A&P"?

Quick answer:

In "A&P," both Sammy and Lengel are observant and aware of social norms, but they differ significantly in age, experience, and reactions to the girls' attire. Sammy is captivated by the girls' beauty, while Lengel remains authoritative and unbothered. Lengel, aware of the consequences of rash actions, warns Sammy about quitting impulsively. Sammy, however, values his moral stance and must learn through personal experience, reflecting youthful idealism versus Lengel's seasoned pragmatism.

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

The question states that it's asking for a comparison, so that leads me to assume that it wants an answer that highlights more similarities than differences. Both Sammy and Lengel are very aware of their surroundings. There are several sections of the story in which Sammy provides tons of details for his readers.

After a while they come around out of the far aisle, around the light bulbs, records at discount of the Caribbean Six or Tony Martin Sings or some such gunk you wonder they waste the wax on, six packs of candy bars, and plastic toys done up in cellophane that fall apart when a kid looks at them anyway.

Sammy could have just told readers the girls came out of aisle 12. That's a fairly tame detailed description. His descriptions of the girls and their clothing are much more detailed. Sammy notices a lot of things, and...

Unlock
This Answer Now

Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.

Get 48 Hours Free Access

Lengel is the same way. Sammy doesn't really like Lengel. He thinks Lengel is "dreary;" however, Sammy does have to admit that Lengel is a quick study that doesn't miss much.

Lengel's pretty dreary, teaches Sunday school and the rest, but he doesn't miss that much.

Readers also get a sense that both Sammy and Lengel have a knowledge of what is socially appropriate in public places. Sammy tells readers about halfway through the story what most women put on and wear to the store, but readers can clue into Sammy's knowledge of appropriate grocery store clothing much earlier. The fact that the girls are in the store in bathing suits is shocking to Sammy, but he specifically points out to readers that they aren't even in shoes.

Both men are also able to publicly verbalize their opinions in the face of dissenting opinion. Lengel tells the girls that they are not decently dressed, and Queenie defends herself. Lengel doesn't take back what he said or cower before a customer. He lets the girls know that he doesn't approve of them. Sammy has this same kind of courage. He knows that Lengel doesn't want to hear that Sammy disapproves of his actions, yet Sammy says what he thinks to his boss despite possible consequences.

You didn't have to embarrass them.

Approved by eNotes Editorial
An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

There are a number of ways that Sammy differs from his manager, Lengel:  in age, in position, in sexual drive, in experience versus naivete. 

First of all, Lengel seems immune to the girls' sexuality, unlike Sammy.  While Sammy is floored by their beauty, Lengel chastises the scantily clad teenagers.  He makes it a point to act in an authoritarian manner:  "Girls, this isn't a beach," he says, not once but twice. Then, "I don't want to argue with you.  After this come in here with your shoulders covered," Lengel warns.

Lengel seems like a stiff, and he is in many ways, but unlike Sammy he knows the consequences that will follow rash action.  When Sammy impetuously declares, "I quit!" it is Lengel who has the foresight to know not only how much his family will disapprove, but also how Sammy "will feel this for the rest of his life."

Sammy has probably made the right choice, unlike Lengel who long ago gave up hope of a meaningful future, but perhaps when he recalls the affect of youthful decisions and can only warn of the residual affects.  Sammy, like all young people, though, must learn through his own trial and error.  It is impossible to teach experience. 

Approved by eNotes Editorial