A & P By John Updike

The subject of women's attire has been a conversation topic for decades. From the unrealistic expectations of the clothing itself to the idealization of the "perfect" body, clothing standards have oppressed women. John Updike's short story "A&P" captures this injustice and demonstrates to the audience how this kind of judgment can affect someone. The story is told from the perspective of a 19-year-old boy and tells of his experience throughout a troubling moral situation. Readers are guided through his path to maturity and are shown the perspective of someone not yet tainted by the wrongs of beauty standards. The story was set in the 1950s-1960s meaning that World War II has just ended and the baby boom has just begun. Women are expected

He watches the girls throughout the entirety of their shopping experience and makes a note of almost every minute fact. However, not once in Sammy's speculation does he mention anything negative about the girls. He doesn't comment on the "correct" body shape, he doesn't mention that their bathing suits were breaking cultural customs, and he doesn't overtly sexualize them in any way. He only watches the girls, and by the end of their shopping excursion, he has become attached to their story. As the girls head in the direction of the cash register, they are stopped by the store manager, Lengel. "He comes over and says, "Girls, this isn't the beach."" (Updike pg. 163). Lengel tells the girls that their outfits go against store policy and that they must dress differently the next time they enter the shop. This embarrassed the girls and enraged Sammy. He tells Lengel that he quit and that Lengel didn't have to embarrass the girls the way he did. Lengel attempts to convince Sammy to stay by saying things like, " "Sammy, you don't want to do this to your Mom and Dad…," and "you'll feel this for the rest of your life…" (Updike pg. 165). However, Sammy is unconvinced and leaves with a