Uniformity In A & P By John Updike

The Beauty of Grocery Shopping John Updike’s short story clearly demonstrates the strict morality of the times, uniformity. In a world where differences are embraced, how can one possibly not immediately think about how much times have changed? Throughout Updike’s tale revealed by his first-person narrator Sammy one can see his view of the beauty and magic of life through his writing style, and the distinct presence of the theme of uniformity. Sammys descriptions allows the reader to place themselves directly in the story allowing for it to be more personable and relatable. “A&P” is not only descriptive but also brings about a call to action being never let someone talk down on you or someone else just because one might be viewed as

Sammy tells things as he sees them, although his perspective on things may be different than others of his time because he is willing to think and act differently than others in his town. Sammy explains his encounter, “The girls, and who'd blame them, are in a hurry to get out, so I say ‘I quit’ to Lengel…” (7). Because of the girls outfit choice of “nothing but bathing suits” (5), they would more than likely be shunned from the rest of Sammys community; however, Sammy being the young man he is sticks up for them revealing an important characteristic of his personality as well as incorporating a theme of breaking out of uniformity. Through this first person narrator, one can learn that Sammy is unreliable. Since Sammy is a 19 year old boy one must examine his opinions and thoughts rather than taking them as they are stated. Sammy makes a comment stating, “You never know for sure how girls’ minds work (do you really think it's a mind in there or just a little buzz like a bee in a glass jar?)...” (5). Updike's use of Sammy describing the girls the way he does reveals the narrator's personal thoughts although they may not be accurate. Sammy also has a strong love for girls which is very apparent throughout the story by his descriptions. He states, “With the straps pushed off, there was nothing between the top of the suit and the top of her head except just her, this clean bare plane

Updike's use of Sammys prominent opinions about the girls, and the use of a specific setting further presents one main theme of conformity. “A&P” takes place in an A&P grocery store in the 1960’s, this setting plays an important role in the theme because it exemplifies the strict standards of how one should live, dress, and behave. Updike's use of Sammys opinions completely foes against the whole idea of conformity. Sammy and Lengel argue, “‘You didn't have to embarrass them.’ ‘It was they who were embarrassing us’” (7). He is in the process of quitting his job. The author captures the whole idea of breaking the typical standards and how differences should be embraced, and not create dividers. The narrator also explains, “Thats policy for you. Policy is what the kingpins want” (7). By doing this Sammy appears to have a change in mind and decides to do something in order to stick up for the girls. Updike puts the reader in a situation that many have already encountered or will encounter in the future. As the novel ends, Updike's protagonist realizes that although his act of quitting his job and sticking up for the girls may have been heroic in his eyes, the girls clearly didn't even give Sammy the time of day. The authors use of presenting the theme of conformity through Sammy and his actions allow the readers to put themselves in the situation occurring, making the novel more