“A&P” and “Gryphon” have two very unique story plots yet they seem to resemble one interesting characteristic that develops throughout the story leading to an interesting turn of events. The stories are both told in first person narrative and have a sort of interesting rebellious appeal to them. It begins with the contrast between the stories plot development but leads to a troublesome “fork in the road” type scenario that puts an interesting twist onto the conclusion of the story. Some may see rebelliousness as acting against the norm but “John Updike” the author of A&P tells a tale of how two different sets of people both defy society and begin paving a way of change into the new generation. “Gryphon’s” story set is told from how a change in the way we think may leave us changing the way we live our lives. The stories may seem to have different alternatives overall but the way they are portrayed by the authors have a similar comparative aspect that can be looked at from both angles regardless of the storyline. When someone seems destined to choose a different path in life often times people may see this person as an outcast or indifferent to some. In A&P Sammy seems to not to be fulfilled with the way he spends his dull uneventful youth life ultimately leading to the defiance and betrayed to his boss over a deemed inappropriate act. “"Is it done?" he asks, the responsible married man finding his voice. I forgot to say he thinks he's going to be manager some sunny day, maybe in 1990 when it's called the Great Alexandrov and Petrooshki Tea Company or something.”(Updike 132) Referring to Stokesie and the way life already seems laid out for him without much hope in change, this may lead one to believe that Sammy is not your average run of the mill teenager and maybe someone who wants more out of life other than working at the cash register of the local “A&P”. But along with change come the struggles and tough decisions one must act upon in order to get ahead in life. When Sammy quits in front of the entire store it goes against social cues of how one is to properly act and resign from a position of employment. The immediate thought is of remorse about his decision and disapproval he may receive from his mother for committing such an act, but the point to be taken is that confronted with this and the choices made he must follow through with the gesture as the results can be harmful to one’s self. It’s a little different when older generations seems to rebel against the ways a newer generation thinks and acts but when going against the ways a generation is educated or what you think should be taught seems immorally irresponsible to most. The beauty to this story is how wonderful the imagination can be and how freethinking can bring new exciting light into a dimly lit scenario. In this case his substitute, Ms. Ferenzie, is that new exciting light into Tommy’s eyes as to him she seems creditable for the things she has elaborated upon. The thought of new ideas and new energy instilled brings questionable answers to what is plausible. “a half monster, half bird and half lion”(Gryphon 141) The reference to Pinocchio is about illusion to reality because Pinocchio is a marionette better known as a puppet that is transformed into a real life human. This captivates how Ms. Ferenzie is often skewing reality in her own way and interpreting life how she sees it in her eyes leading the kids to wondrous imaginations. The way both authors evaluate rules and social systems really defines that with rebellious acts or mystical outlooks on life we take with it the impact this makes upon our life. Through this basis we can look at both stories much like a lesson to be learned in life. Both Updike and Baxter recall a personal tale that can be looked at as a turning point in each their lives that ultimately had either a negative or in this case a positive effect upon him or herself. So how much can we take away from this to be learned, you can take from it what its worth and leave what you choose not to. Ultimately you have control over the life you lead and you have the right to think the way you conclude necessary. We may all not choose the same path or choose to be followed in such a way, but this right to be the person you choose and captivate the people you touch is indefinitely what makes the world go round.