In “Updike’s Subtlety in the Story,” author Paul Emmett analyzes “A & P,” pointing out a key setting detail was intentionally or accidentally altered mid-stream, and tallying the protagonist’s self-doubts regarding masculinity, maturity, and social standing. Emmett explains that initially Sammy, the protagonist, was clearly described as standing at checkout lane three. Without a noted change, it is later unclear which lane he occupies. Sammy seems to indicate he is in lane one, but without marking the switch, since his friend works lane two, and lanes three and above are carefully noted as being “unmanned” (Emmett, par. 1). The author theorizes that regardless of Updike’s mistake or intent, the lack of “manning” in those lanes is metaphorical