John Updike’s A & P is one of those short stories that captivate the reader with a keen attention to detail and rich use of literary devices. For example, the use of symbolism and sarcasm is quite prevalent in the story. In addition, the author manages to tell the story in a charming way devoid of boredom through the use of simple language and picturesque descriptions. However, it is not lost to the keen reader how the author attempts to explore contentious issues through his characters and symbols. For example, the use of bathing suits is symbolic of the themes that the author discusses; the bathing suits symbolize a break from the conventions, and the entry of what many would not consider “socially upright.” The conflict that ensues becomes one the important subjects explored by the author. In a nutshell, the gist of John Updike’s A & P is the conflict between conservatism and liberalism.
John Updike’s story is reminiscent of the conflict between the conventional and the unconventional. The conflict becomes evident right from the start of the story. Sammy, the narrator of the story, appears bewildered by the appearance of three girls inside A & P. The girls are in their bathing suits. Sammy is partly fixated on these girls because their dress code is not conventional for people going to do their shopping. He says that the location of A & P is far from the ocean, which makes the dressing an eye catcher. “It's not as if we're on the Cape; we're north of Boston and there's people in this town haven't seen the ocean for twenty years” (Updike 229). In addition, the supermarket is right into the middle of the town, and the beach is five miles away. Therefore, the appearance of the girls in bathing suits in a place that is far away from the ocean seems to spark many questions to the ordinary people. As much as the girls appeared comfortable in their attires, Sammy could not rule out show off as one of their intentions. He says, “It’s one thing to have a girl in a bathing suit down on the beach. and another thing in the cool of the A & P” (Updike 228). For that reason, the girls could have been on a mission to court attention.
However, the fact that the three girls described in the story come to shop skimpily dressed is a pointer to the direction that the author wants the story to take. The author wants to explore the reaction of the “conservatives” who would characterize that behavior as unacceptable and juxtapose it with the opinion of the people who approve that behavior through one way or the other. Many people inside the supermarket stare at the girls, while the girls themselves appear unconcerned. Lengel, the manager, appears unpleased with the dress code of the girls. He notices them on his way into his office, and as he approaches them, he registers his disapproval. He says, “Girls, this isn’t the beach” (Updike 230). Although the girls explain that they were dropping by to pick up a jar of herring snacks, he would hear none of their explanations. He replies, “That’s all rightbut this isn’t the beach” (Updike 231). To underscore his seriousness, Lengel gave the girls “that Sunday-school-superintendent scare” (Updike 231).
However, the girls see nothing wrong with their way of dressing, and this becomes evident when queen says, “we are decent” (Updike 231). Lengel, on the other hand, stands his ground and insists that the girls must come dressed appropriately next time. “Girls, I don’t want to argue with you. After this, come in here with your shoulders covered. It’s our policy” (Updike 231). The explanation given by Lengel fits well into the view that would be taken by “conservatives”: there is a policy in place that does not allow your mode of dressing, so you have to follow it. On the contrary, the girls represent a school of thought that challenges the “conventional norms.” The girls seem to say that this is the way we like it, and you should not be bothered. The fact that the girls appear unconcerned by all the people looking at them seems to show that what they wear is their business, and people should continue with their activities without bothering about their swimsuits. The author appears to support the girls because he writes “policy is what kingpins want. What others want is juvenile delinquency” (Updike 231). That statement shows the sarcasm of the author towards the view taken by the likes of Lengel.
In addition, Sammy appears disgusted with the treatment given to the girls, and he wants to quit in protest. Although he initially wanted to say those words to impress the girls, he is convinced that Lengel did not treat the girls in the right manner. He says, “you didn’t have to embarrass them” (Updike 231). Lengel has been friends with Sammy’s parents and warns him not to quit because his parents would be embarrassed. He says “Sammy you don’t want to do this to your mom and dad” (Updike 232). In effect, Lengel seems to be bothered not because of Sammy’s welfare, but because the parents would be disappointed. Nevertheless, Sammy goes ahead and quits his job. The incident is yet another pointer to the fact that those against change do not do it because they care; they do it because they simply want to maintain the status quo without any other justification.
Sammy realizes the joy of freedom after making that big step to quit his job. Moreover, there is a sense of excitement after quitting the job. This is evident as he states:
“One advantage to this event taking place in the summer, I can follow it up with a clean exit, there’s no fumbling around getting your coat and galoshes, I just saunter into the electric eye in my white shirt that my mother ironed the night before, and the door heaves itself open, and outside the sunshine is skating around on the asphalt.” (Updike 232).
In conclusion, A & P is a story that explores the theme of the old versus the new with the use of various symbols and characters being used to represent the “acceptable” and the “unacceptable.” In the bathing suit and the girls, the author has the vessels that represent the “new” that challenges the old system while in Lengel and the customers the author has the vessels that represent the old system that is uncompromising and wants the status quo to remain.
Works Cited
Updike, John. "A & P ." Bishop, Margaret. Single Scene Short Stories. Layton: Gibbs Smith, 2007. 227-233. Print.
