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John Updike's Rebellion In A & P

784 Words4 Pages

In many cases, people may be forced by external circumstances to make decisions that they would not have made if such circumstances did not present themselves. The results of such decisions can either have a positive or negative impact on the lives of an individual. Such a case is well presented in the story A &P by John Updike where the major character, Sammy is portrayed to be rebellious. His rebellion appears to have more disadvantages than advantages as it complicates his life in many cases, which leads him into making uninformed decisions. It is, therefore, true to say that Sammy's rebellion in the John Updike's A & P is more futile than heroic and only makes negative complications in his life. Throughout the story, Sammy’s, the major character, rebellious actions have a negative effect on the customers, his boss, and himself. Sammy’s rebellious attitude can be seen from the beginning of the story to the end as he openly shows a negative attitude towards almost everybody, including the customers. In the beginning of the story, Sammy appears to be displeased with his job and looks for the slightest provocation to quit. He is resentful to the management at work and clients who come shopping in …show more content…

It only lands him in trouble and making his life more miserable than before. Although quitting the job could have provided him with an opportunity to get the one that pleased him, it caused him great harm. Whereas he lost both his job, the three girls he was defending, His disrespect for his co-workers earned him nothing but poor work relationship. However, there is a likelihood that, if given another chance, he would not have repeated the same actions. Leaving his job can be viewed positively because it appears to displease him. Although it is not indicated what happens to him later, this could have been a golden opportunity for Sammy to seek the kind of job that would make him

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In the short story “A & P”, John Updike tells a story about a boy named Sammy who works at a Grocery store. He explains how this young man watches girls his age and how they were treated in the store one day. Sammy made the decision to quit on the spot because of that and he was hoping the girls would notice his action but they didn’t. The reader is allowed to understand the story and predict the life lesson because of the first person point of view Updike used.

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