"A&P"

This is a deceptively simple story about a boy who works in a grocery story—the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company. John Updike thought that ordinary, “trivial” events in daily life present insight into contemporary American society. Updike was also read the work of the philosopher Soren Kierkegard (1813-1855), considered the father of existentialism. Kierkegard coined the term “leap of faith” to describe the movement into a new consciousness.

Consider the following questions about the story and its application to larger ideas:

1. Analyze Sammy’s character. Consdier his background, his attitudes, his values, and his interactions with the customers and with the girls. Compare and contrast his character with that of Stokesie, Lengel, or Queenie. Explore the class differences between the characters.

2. Why does Sammy quit? Explore the statement; “I felt how hard the world was going to be to me hereafter.” Does Sammy have an “epiphany” and if so, what is it?

3. What critique is Updike presenting of this early 1960’s world? Is the story still relevant? How would it change if it were set in a supermarket today?

4. How does Sammy represent a heroic archetype? How is this representation ironic?

5. Explore the themes of idealism, loss, alienation, self-awareness, individuality/conformity, and rebellion embedded in this story. How are these ideas critical to an individual’s maturation?