A&P John Updike

As I began to read A&P by John Updike, I began to relate to Sammy. I relate to his views on the girls and I relate to how he is not assimilated into the group at A&P. When seeing girls in bikinis that are attractive, it is natural for a teen to stop and look. Sammy reacted the same way I would have, by checking them out. The girls relate to Sammy because they defy the normal standards of the store. This is just like Sammy. Sammy is a sarcastic guy who is not trying to climb the corporate ladder at A&P. He is unlike his co worker, Stokesie, who is trying to be promoted. I felt like Sammy represents an everyday teen. He works for extra cash and he checks out girls. Having finished the reading, I realized that the girls were a symbol for him. This symbol was to defy the standards of society and do what you want.

As I reread and studied A&P, I noticed the connection between Sammy and the girls. Sammy intently looks at each of the three girls. He uses descriptive words …show more content…
Sammy and I both have a sarcastic, pessimistic attitude. This can be seen when Sammy says that Stokesie will become manager " some sunny day, maybe 1990 when it's called the Great Alexandrov and Petrooshki Tea Company or something" (Updike, 2). Also, I would have also quit my job like Sammy did. I realize that between beauty and order that I would also want to have beauty. In a broad connection, Beatrice connects to this story. She in, Much ado About Nothing, goes against the norms of the culture. She back talks men and has a bit of arrogance to her, when most women would be quite and very humble. The only questions about the story I have, is what does Sammy's Mom and Dad say when he tells him he quits? It would provide context to how Sammy defies society because it shows that he goes against what normal people would