We all have preferences and value systems that we operate off of. Authors often explore this element of theme within their short stories. Both of these stories explore the theme or concept of finding your identity, or even power within identity. Updike and Walker use setting to explore the cultural and social norms during the specific time period, characteristics to show how society shaped the main characters and their decisions, as well as symbols with the stories to bring together materialist things and how that shapes our identity. John Updike and Alice Walker explore this very theme of identity in “A&P” and “Everyday Use.” Both authors use setting, characteristics and symbolism to explore the idea of finding our identity in materialist items and cultural norms.
John Updike's’ A&P takes
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Many young adult during this of change, and social reformation were eager to break the mold of traditional modest cultures views, and dabble with freedom of speech and attire. We see this cultural mold of traditional views her when Sammie states, “He didn’t like my smiling -- -as I say he doesn't miss much -- but he concentrates on giving the girls the sad Sunday-school-superintendent stare.” (A&P 2) This was a form of identity for teens during this period of time. Much like the girls in the store, Sammie our main character was also searching for a more exciting identity rather than being the boy who works at the grocery store in town. Sammie finds himself in the same routine day after day, and when a small glimpse of freedom, and rebellion is throw his way he grabs hold. As the young girls are entering the A&P store Lengel the store manager; a man of the older generation, reprimands the young ladies for their choice of attire in his store. Sammie adries the groups leading girl: Queenie as Sammie names her, and developed a desire for a life of free