A and P by John Updike is a story about a young character named Sammy. The principle object of the story, written in narrative format is about young people entering the adult stage and world of real life, from that of the adolescent period where worries and responsibilities perhaps stand as some of the last acts. The character of Sammy is exactly that of an individual caught in the middle of this vital decision, and though temptations of the adolescent years try to restrict this young character from venturing out in the world, yet circumstances and observing his colleagues perhaps serve as some of the best factors for making the decision of stepping out into the real world. As is common with majority of young people, Sammy too has some role models, such as the character of twenty-year old Stokesie, who has already entered the practical life and is supporting a family on his won. Then there is the character of the manager of the store, Lengel, who too started out in similar fashion as did Sammy. These two role models thus provide more than compelling set of ideas for young Sammy to take the decision, and accordingly our principle character decides to leave his job as one of his first attempts at trying out and venturing out into the world of real people and due responsibilities.

In the above story of the young character Sammy in "A and P" by Updike, the moment which perhaps serves as the final impetus for him to venture out in the open world is when he is attending a few young and beautiful girls at the counter of his store where he is working. As the young girls enter their store, clad only in two piece swim suits, and abruptly say, "my mother asked me to pick up a jar of herring snacks", young Sammy is taken aback, and gets lost in his own world where his parents only serve lemonade whenever they have guests. On the contrary, the young girls remind Sammy about two things, the first focuses on the "pick up" aspect implying the girls had a car in which they had come to pick up snacks for their parents' party. Second aspect is the herring snacks, a supposedly expensive item to go with the drinks such as wine duly topped with olives and sprigs of mint in them.

Just as the girls leave the store after having made their purchases, so does the young character of Sammy. It is precisely this moment which makes him decide that this is certainly the life, as pursued and enjoyed by the girls, which he would want to pursue, and certainly not the life of a young attendant at a small time store.

Having made his decision, Sammy abruptly says, "I quit" to his colleague Lengel. "Did you says something, Sammy?", comes the reply. Sammy repeats his decision,

"I said I quit."

Lengel, "I thought you did."

Sammy, "you didn't have to embarrass them." (Referring to the Lengel's objection on the skimpy clothes worn by the girls).

Lengel, "It was they who were embarrassing us."

Sammy, "I know you don't, but I do."

Lengel, "Sammy, you don't want to do this to your Mom and Dad." "You'll feel this for the rest of your life." (Updike, 1961)

Keywords : A And P, John Updike, Literature, Term Paper

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