The Short Story “A&P” by John Updike
John Updike’s “A&P” explores the conflict between social conformity and individual rebellion through Sammy’s impulsive decision to quit his job after defending three girls judged for their attire. The story examines how gender expectations, social boundaries, and consumer culture influence human behavior. By portraying Sammy’s immature yet idealistic protest against authority and sexism, Updike reveals the tension between moral awareness and societal norms, ultimately exposing the cost of defying conformity in a judgmental, rule-bound society.
References
Porter, Gilbert. “John Updike’s ‘A & P’: The Establishment and an Emersonian Cashier”. The English Journal, vol. 61, no. 8, 1972, pp. 1155–1158.
Sultana, Catherine. “Analysis of John Updike’s “A & P.” ThoughtCO, 2019.
Reference
StudyCorgi. (2025, October 7). The Short Story “A&P” by John Updike. https://studycorgi.video/the-short-story-ap-by-john-updike/