short story a&p by john updike pdf
John Updike’s A&P is a 1961 short story about Sammy, a teenager at A&P, whose encounter with girls in bathing suits sparks rebellion and self-discovery, exploring youth and societal expectations.
1.1 Overview of the Short Story
A&P, published in 1961, is a short story by John Updike that revolves around Sammy, a young cashier at an A&P supermarket. The narrative unfolds as Sammy becomes infatuated with three girls in bathing suits, leading to his impulsive decision to quit his job. This moment sparks themes of rebellion, self-discovery, and societal expectations, making it a timeless exploration of youth and identity.
1.2 Historical Context and Publication
John Updike’s A&P was first published in The New Yorker on July 22, 1961. Reflecting the social and cultural shifts of the 1960s, the story captures the era’s evolving views on youth, rebellion, and conformity. Its publication marked a significant moment in Updike’s career, solidifying his reputation as a master of contemporary American literature.
Plot Summary of “A&P”
The story unfolds in an A&P supermarket where Sammy, a young cashier, observes three girls in bathing suits, sparking his fascination and rebellion against conformity, culminating in his impulsive decision to quit his job.
2.1 The Protagonist Sammy and His Job
Sammy, a young and observant teenager, works as a cashier at the A&P supermarket. His job allows him to witness the daily routines of customers, fostering his critical and judgmental nature. Sammy’s role provides insight into his personality, showcasing his curiosity and growing awareness of societal expectations, as well as his infatuation with the three girls who enter the store.
2.2 The Arrival of the Three Girls
The arrival of three girls in bathing suits captivates Sammy, transforming his mundane workday. Their bold appearance contrasts with the conservative store atmosphere, drawing attention and disapproval. The girls, particularly the leader, spark Sammy’s admiration and curiosity, setting off a chain of events that lead to his impulsive decision to quit his job in solidarity with them.
2.3 Sammy’s Decision to Quit
Sammy quits his job impulsively after the store manager embarrasses the girls for their attire. Angered by the manager’s rigid adherence to store policies, Sammy decides to stand up for the girls, symbolizing his rebellion against conformity and societal expectations, though his decision may not fully understand its consequences.
Themes in “A&P”
Rebellion against conformity, coming of age, and social judgment are central themes, as Sammy challenges societal norms, explores identity, and faces consequences of impulsive decisions.
3.1 Rebellion and Conformity
In A&P, Sammy’s impulsive decision to quit symbolizes rebellion against societal norms and authority. His defiance challenges the conservative expectations of his workplace and community, reflecting a desire for individuality. The story highlights the tension between conforming to societal standards and pursuing personal autonomy, as Sammy’s actions spark both liberation and uncertainty about his future.
3;2 Coming of Age and Self-Discovery
Sammy’s experience in A&P marks a pivotal moment of self-discovery and growth. His fascination with the girls and subsequent quitting of his job symbolize a rebellion against mundane routines and societal expectations. Through this act, Sammy transitions from adolescence to adulthood, grappling with identity and independence while confronting the uncertainty of his future and the consequences of his choices.
3.4 Social Norms and Judgment
In A&P, social norms are challenged when three girls in bathing suits enter the conservative supermarket. The manager’s disapproval and Sammy’s internal conflict highlight societal judgment. Sammy’s rebellion against these norms, quitting his job, reflects his struggle with conformity and the expectations of others, ultimately revealing the tension between individuality and societal pressures in 1960s America.
Character Analysis
The story revolves around Sammy, a young cashier, and three girls in bathing suits. The girls symbolize rebellion, while Sammy’s decision to quit highlights his evolving perspective. The manager and customers represent societal norms, adding depth to the narrative’s exploration of individuality and conformity.
4.1 Sammy: The Protagonist
Samantha “Sammy” is the 19-year-old protagonist of John Updike’s “A&P”. Working at the local A&P grocery store, Sammy is a relatable and observant character. His job offers a front-row seat to the mundane routines of small-town life, where he witnesses the arrival of three girls in bathing suits, an event that disrupts his routine and leads to a pivotal moment of self-discovery and rebellion against societal norms. His decision to quit his job, motivated by a desire to stand up for the girls and challenge the store’s conservative policies, marks a significant turning point in his journey towards maturity and understanding his place in the world. Sammy’s narrative voice is both humorous and introspective, offering readers a unique perspective on the challenges of adolescence and the complexities of conforming to societal expectations.
4.2 The Three Girls as Symbols
The three girls in bathing suits symbolize freedom, youth, and rebellion in John Updike’s A&P. Their unconventional appearance in the conservative store challenges societal norms, embodying a shift in 1960s culture. They represent a carefree, nonconformist spirit, contrasting the mundane routines of the A&P, and serve as catalysts for Sammy’s awakening to broader societal changes and personal growth.
4.3 Minor Characters (Manager, Customers)
The manager and customers in A&P symbolize rigid societal norms and authority. The manager’s disapproval of the girls highlights the store’s conservative values, while the customers’ reactions reflect judgmental attitudes. These minor characters contrast Sammy’s growing individuality, emphasizing the conflict between conformity and rebellion in the story’s exploration of social dynamics and personal identity.
Symbolism in the Story
The A&P store symbolizes monotony and societal norms, while the girls’ bathing suits represent rebellion and freedom, contrasting Sammy’s mundane job and sparking his desire for change.
5.1 The A&P Store as a Setting
The A&P store serves as the primary setting, reflecting the monotony of suburban life in the 1960s. Its fluorescent lights and structured layout symbolize order and routine, contrasting with the spontaneous arrival of the three girls. The store’s policies and Sammy’s uniform highlight societal expectations, while its mundane atmosphere underscores Sammy’s growing dissatisfaction with his mundane job and the rigid norms surrounding him.
5.2 The Bathing Suits as a Symbol
The bathing suits worn by the girls symbolize rebellion and freedom, challenging the store’s conservative norms. They represent a break from the monotony of daily life, embodying youth and spontaneity. The suits also highlight Sammy’s internal conflict between conformity and individuality, serving as a catalyst for his transformative decision to quit, marking a pivotal moment in his journey toward self-discovery and independence.
Style and Tone
Updike’s A&P features a descriptive, evocative style with a reflective tone, blending humor and irony. The first-person narrative creates intimacy, while the tone shifts from observational to philosophical, capturing Sammy’s internal conflict and growth, making the story both relatable and profound in its exploration of youth and societal expectations;
6.1 First-Person Narrative Voice
The story is told through Sammy’s first-person perspective, offering immediacy and intimacy. This narrative choice allows readers to experience Sammy’s thoughts and feelings directly, creating a strong emotional connection. The voice is conversational and reflective, capturing Sammy’s inner turmoil and growth. It also highlights his observational nature, making the reader complicit in his judgments and epiphanies, deeply engaging them in his journey of self-discovery and rebellion.
6.2 Humor and Irony in the Story
Updike infuses humor through Sammy’s witty observations and sarcastic remarks, making the narrative relatable and engaging. Irony is evident in Sammy’s idealized view of the girls and his impulsive decision to quit, contrasting with the reality of his mundane life. These elements enhance the story’s depth, highlighting the tension between youthful rebellion and societal expectations.
Critical Reception and Analysis
Critics praise ‘A&P’ for its exploration of youthful rebellion and societal norms, analyzing the depth of Sammy’s epiphany and the story’s symbolic richness.
7.1 Literary Criticism of “A&P”
Critics acclaim John Updike’s A&P for its nuanced portrayal of rebellion and societal norms. The story’s exploration of Sammy’s epiphany and symbolic elements, such as the bathing suits, highlights themes of freedom and conformity. The narrative’s depth, impact, and insight, and the protagonist’s transformation are widely praised as masterful storytelling.
7.2 Popular Interpretations of the Story
Readers often interpret A&P as a coming-of-age tale, where Sammy’s impulsive decision symbolizes a break from conformity. Many see the girls as symbols of freedom and rebellion. The story’s relatable themes of youthful defiance and self-discovery resonate widely, making it a timeless exploration of individuality and societal expectations.
Study Questions and Discussion Topics
- What motivates Sammy’s decision to quit his job, and how does it reflect his character?
- How do the three girls symbolize rebellion and freedom in the story?
- What message do you think Updike conveys about societal expectations and conformity?
- Why is the title “A&P” significant to the story’s themes and setting?
- What moral or ethical dilemmas does Sammy face, and how does he resolve them?
8.1 The Significance of the Title
The title “A&P” refers to the supermarket where the story unfolds, symbolizing the mundane, routine world Sammy inhabits. It reflects the story’s focus on ordinary life, while also hinting at the broader themes of rebellion and societal norms that emerge through Sammy’s experiences with the three girls.
8.2 Moral and Ethical Dilemmas
The story raises moral questions about conformity, rebellion, and personal responsibility. Sammy’s decision to quit his job over the manager’s treatment of the girls sparks ethical debate. His impulsive act challenges societal norms, highlighting the tension between individuality and conformity, while also questioning the consequences of standing up for what one believes is right.
A&P remains a timeless exploration of adolescence and societal expectations. Sammy’s journey highlights the struggle between conformity and self-discovery, leaving a lasting impact on literature.
9.1 The Lasting Impact of “A&P”
A&P endures as a pivotal work in American literature, its exploration of adolescence and societal rebellion resonating across generations. Its concise yet profound narrative style continues to captivate readers, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of 20th-century short stories and Updike’s legacy as a literary master.
9.2 Relevance in Modern Literature
Despite being written in 1961, “A&P” remains highly relevant in modern literature. Its themes of rebellion, self-discovery, and societal judgment continue to resonate with contemporary readers. The story’s concise, impactful style and exploration of universal human experiences ensure its enduring popularity, making it a staple in academic and literary discussions today.
Additional Resources
The full PDF of A&P is available online. Recommended essays and analyses provide deeper insights into themes and character development for further study.
10.1 Where to Find the Full PDF
The full PDF of John Updike’s A&P can be found on various platforms like Google Docs, JSTOR, and educational websites. It is also available for download in formats such as Word Doc or Text File. Additionally, many online libraries and academic resources provide free access to the story. Ensure to verify the credibility of the source before downloading.
10.2 Recommended Essays and Analyses
For deeper insights, essays and analyses of A&P are available on platforms like JSTOR, Google Scholar, and educational websites. Critical analyses by literary experts and student guides provide interpretations of themes, character development, and symbolic elements. Websites like SparkNotes and LitCharts also offer comprehensive study materials for understanding the story’s nuances and significance in modern literature.
Explore the iconic short story “A&P” by John Updike. Download the PDF version now and dive into the literary masterpiece.