A&P

I would agree with John Updike when he states that his short story, “A&P”, can be seen as a story about conformity. There is both conformity and a lack of conformity presented as “A&P” unfolds. The girls in the supermarket, shopping in nothing but their bathing suits, are not conforming to the norms when it comes to shopping apparel. In their own unique way they are breaking from the norm as a way to seek attention. However, these girls are not completely independent. In fact, they are quite dependent on Queenie, who can be seen as the leader of their small group. Updike states that Queenie “had talked the other two into coming in here with her, and now she was showing them how to do it, walk slow and hold yourself straight (220). For whatever reason, the other girls feel they must live up to Queenie’s expectations, and are thus conforming to her ways. The story also shows how other shoppers act like “sheep” when Lengel confronts the girls (223). Using the term “sheep” to describe the shoppers shows how they have conformed. The main reason Sammy quits is to show the girls that he supports them. He respects them for coming into the store in their bathing suits, and he hopes he will gain their respect by quitting. He also does not appreciate how Lengel, the store manager, treats the girls. Sammy’s epiphany comes when he walks outside and realizes that the girls are already gone. He sees that he will not be viewed as their hero. Instead, his decision to quit his job will lead to great struggles with little reward.