Themes: Individualism
Sammy expresses his uniqueness by deciding to quit. He recognizes that, according to the societal norms of his era, Lengel is within his rights to address the girls as he does. Nevertheless, by standing up for the girls, Sammy defies these norms and advocates for a higher standard of respect, suggesting that one should not publicly humiliate others. By determining which social rules hold greater significance, he asserts his individuality, unlike the girls, who quietly leave, aware that they have violated social conventions.
In this narrative, Sammy is the sole character who asserts his individuality. Two of the girls merely trail behind their leader, while Queenie, easily embarrassed, succumbs to Lengel. The other shoppers in the A&P act like "sheep," anxiously gathering at Stokesie's register to steer clear of the conflict. Lengel represents the enforcer of policy, a term often associated with rules lacking a clear logical basis. He rigidly adheres to societal norms, unable to explain the reasoning behind them beyond stating that the A&P "isn't the beach," a comment so obvious and devoid of reasoning that it makes Sammy smile—a small but significant step towards his rebellion.
Expert Q&A
What does Sammy mean in Updike's "A & P" when he says, "Now here comes the sad part of the story, at least my family says it's sad but I don't think it's sad myself?"
When Sammy in Updike's "A & P" refers to the "sad part of the story," he contrasts his family's view with his own. His family considers it sad because he quits a stable job, which they value. However, Sammy doesn't see it as sad because his decision represents a rejection of conforming to adult societal norms and an assertion of his individuality. He resigns not to impress the girls, but to act on principle, resisting adult expectations.
Whose values are endorsed in the story "A&P"?
Whose values are criticized in "A & P"?
In "A & P," the values criticized are those of societal norms and strict adherence to arbitrary rules, as embodied by the character Lengel. Sammy's decision to quit his job is a critique of these values, particularly Lengel's enforcement of "policy" without reasonable justification. Sammy's rebellion highlights a disdain for cultural norms that prioritize conformity and public embarrassment over individual dignity and rationality.
Sammy's perspective and actions regarding his job, coworkers, and customers in "A&P"
In "A&P," Sammy's perspective and actions reveal his disdain for his job, coworkers, and customers. He views his job as monotonous and expresses contempt for his coworkers' conformity. Sammy is also critical of the customers, whom he refers to as "sheep." His impulsive decision to quit his job after a confrontation with the store manager reflects his desire for individuality and change.
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