Manouchka St. George
Professor Jonas
ENG 113
June 4, 2013
Theme: “A & P”

“A & P” by John Updike, is a short story presenting the main idea of man’s struggle to conquer individuality within society. Throughout the story, Updike uses symbolism to enhance the theme and focuses on one character, Sammy, a cashier who is enlightened by three girls breaking a store rule. Sammy symbolizes man’s discontent with the norms of society. This is evident in his sharp and critical observations about the people around him. His sarcastic wit also reveals his frustration. Sammy wants more out of life than being a checker of a small town supermarket job. He does not want to become like Lengel, the store manager, who enforces company standards regardless of the situation.
Sammy, the narrator, is introduced as a grocery checker and an observer of the store's patrons. He finds himself fascinated by a particular group of girls. Assuming that they are just in from the beach, although there is not one close by, and still in their bathing suits, they are a stark contrast, to the otherwise plain store interior. As they go about their errands, Sammy observes the reactions, of the other customers, to this trio of young women. He uses the word "Sheep" to describe the store regulars, as they seem to follow one and other, in their actions and reactions. The girls, however, appear to be unique in all aspects of their beings, from walking, down the aisles to against the grain by going barefoot and in swim suits, amongst the properly attired clientele. They are different and this is what catches and holds Sammy's attention. He sees them in such detail, that he can even see the queen of the bunch. Sammy observes their movements and gestures, up until the time of their checkout.
In the story, Mr. Lengal, and the grocery store he manages represent the structure of society. In the store, as in society, there are certain standards of behavior that must be respected and adhered to. In order for people to be aware of these standards there must also be an authorative figure like Lengal, to enforce whatever regulations have been set. Those who do not conform to these standards will have to face the enforcer. This is shown in the story when Lengel catches the three girls in his store breaking the dress policy. As the authority figure and enforcer, Lengel meets his responsibility graciously. He confronts the girls in the bathing suits and informs them, “This is not the beach,” then subtly insults them saying, “We want you decently dressed here.”
Although the girls did not feel they were indecent, they recognized the fact that they were breaking the rules by showing their embarrassment and hurrying out of the store. Yet, even though their rebellion was not intended, their nonconformity made a significant difference in Sammy’s perception of them. In his eyes, the mere fact that they were different from the others made them more appealing.
Sammy notices that the "regulars", seem to do the same things day in and day out. Following the same path and directions through the aisles, they check off their lists and go about their searching. This realization is why the group of girls is so refreshing to him. They are different and do not seem to follow any set path. They seem to live in the now. After witnessing this, he starts to feel bad about the way the girls were being viewed by others and Lengel. He no longer wants to be part of something that discourages uniqueness. This is further supported in the checkout scene, when he makes the comment about the policy and how it is what the "kingpins" want. It is not something that he believes in, nor does he want to enforce it. Sammy starts to feel, for the first time, that there is something out there that is better. He is then inspired to quit his job and stay true to his own identity.
To finalize, this story is mainly concerned with the individuality of man in the structure of society. Sammy, on the edge of reaching his own identity, is presented with a perfect example of what he longs to be and that is different. He resolves his conflict by quitting his job at the grocery store, which in the end, makes a change for no one except himself. He stands up against the structure of society for what he believes in, courageously telling Lengel “I quit.” It is obvious that by the end of the story, Sammy is not only wiser, he has transformed his personality. In short, Sammy breaks through the wall of societal expectation and is left with only himself, his true self.

Works Cited

John Updike “A & P” www.tiger-town.com/whatnot/updike/