"A & P" Analysis

Paper Summary:

This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the short story "A & P
by John Updike. According to the paper, "A&P" is a very short story depicting teen rebellion. The paper reports that it is the images and interesting characters that make the story memorable.

From the Paper:

"The conflict in the story is Jim's argument with his boss. He says, "You didn't have to embarrass them," and his boss replies, "It was they who were embarrassing us" (Updike 195). It is a very basic conflict between authority and freedom, and Sammy chooses freedom, because he knows that elementarily he is right. The girls caused no harm, and there was no need to call further attention to them. However, Sammy's conflict with his manager is much more permanent than the girl's conflict. They are already gone and forgotten, while Sammy is not, and may regret his hasty decision. In fact, he thinks to himself at the end of the story, "[M]y stomach kind of fell as I felt how hard the world was going to be to me hereafter" (Updike 196). Sammy has learned a lesson from his rebellion, while it is questionable that the girls learned anything at all. Thus, the conflict has ended for them, but it will certainly continue for Sammy, which is part of the theme of the story, as well."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Updike, John. Pigeon Feathers, and Other Stories. 1st ed. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1962.

More papers on "A & P" Analysis:

• Comparison Essay # 64503 : "A&P" and "Araby"
• Analytical Essay # 11161 : "Making Waves - John Updike's "A&P"
• Analytical Essay # 1684 : "James Joyce's "Araby" and John Updike's "A&P"

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