Theme Of A & P By John Updike

The character of Sammy is a multifaceted and sophisticated adolescent who goes through a tremendous transition in John Updike's short story “A&P.” He begins as a dejected cashier at the A&P supermarket, unhappy with the routine of his work and the banality of his surroundings. Sammy's opinions and observations, such as his disgust for the clients’ uniformity and his opinion of his coworkers as “Sheeps” and “house slaves,” pg 1, help to shape his character. Three young women clad in bathing costumes enter the store, shaking up his monotonous existence. Sammy makes a bold choice that defies societal rules and conventions in his conservative community because he is fascinated by the women and wants to impress them. The theme of the story is the

He is a disobedient individual who is dissatisfied with the traditional ideals of his neighborhood. Along with being an act of defiance, his choice to resign from his position was also motivated by empathy for the three young women who had received criticism from the store manager. He is prepared to jeopardize his career and his future in order to support these girls, whom he views as his sisters in spirit, and speak up for what he believes. Sammy's ability to comprehend the young women's need for autonomy and self-expression demonstrates his empathy. He understands that these are individuals attempting to rebel against societal expectations, not merely a collection of troubled girls. Their swimming outfits, in his opinion, are a representation of their determination to live their lives independently of society's expectations. Sammy's thoughts about his own life are mirrored in his empathy for the girls. He sees the girls as a reflection of his own desire for freedom because he feels trapped by his employment and the traditional traditions of his community. Sammy's disobedience is partly a result of his disappointment with the American Dream, as well as his yearning for self-expression.He believes that his employees are enslaved to their jobs, and he doesn't want to follow in their footsteps. He views himself as a hero for rejecting the American Dream and defending his convictions despite the

She views her husband as a representation of the patriarchal culture she lives in and feels oppressed by him. She also harbors feelings of sympathy for him and laments his passing. When Josephine tries to shield Louise from learning the truth about her husband's passing, she is shown to be well-intentioned but mistaken. A key event that clarifies Louise's character is her makeover. She is initially portrayed as a frightened and obedient woman who is subjugated by her husband's rule. When she finds out about his passing, she gets a moment of freedom and feels a sense of freedom she has never had. Chopin presents Louise as having a complex personality, exhibiting both her vulnerability and her independence. Although she feels stuck in her marriage and is oppressed by her husband's power, she is a strong-willed individual who defies social norms regarding sorrow. Instead, she chooses to celebrate her newfound freedom. Her relief is short-lived, though, as she passes away from shock when her husband reappears in the story alive and well. Her passing puts a devastating end to her moment of freedom and highlights how repressive her culture