Essay on A P A Character Analysis of Sammy - 734 Words

Bildungsroman, by definition, is a coming of age story. The word, of German origin, translates in English as being a story that traces the spiritual, moral, psychological, or social development and growth of the main character from childhood to maturity. This is a prototype of John Updikes short story, A P, the protagonist, Sammy, is faced with a difficult dilemma, and comes to realize a universal truth about human behavior. Sammy comes to understand that the world is an unusual place and that irrational choices based on impulse are not the best way to solve personal issues. The controversy between Sammy and his boss, Lengel, takes place one hot summer day in an A P, located five miles from the local beach near†¦show more content†¦He verbally attacks the girls, saying This isnt the beach... After this come in here with your shoulders covered. Its our policy. (336). Not only does he attack the girls outward appearance, but he also attacks them emotionally. Lengels actions cause everyone in the store to stop and stare at the girls, causing the half-naked trio to become somewhat uncomfortable with what they are wearing, embarrassing the girls beyond all shame. Lengel does not stop for one second to think that maybe these girls have more pride than they are outwardly expressing. He does not seem to care who the girls are, or what the girls can become, he simply stereotypes them into being nothing more than those of ill-repute. Even though Lengel has spent the entire morning Haggling with a truck full of cabbages (335), this is still no reason to fly off at the three girls for doing nothing more than representing the free-spirited, individualistic, andnon-conformists of the era. Taken aback by his bosss actions, Sammy impulsively decides to quit his job. After he rips off his apron and waltzes out, Lengel yells out at him, Youll feel this for the rest of your life (337). This statement is a perfect example of the irony which presses on throughout this short story. Little does Sammy know that he has just graduated from a child to a man. At the same time, Sammy opens up a whole new world to himself in which he surprisingly enough has a voice in. SammyShow MoreRelatedCharacter Analysis of Sammy in John Updikes AP1168 Words   |  5 PagesSammy: Campbells heroic journey transposed into suburban New England On the surface, the hero of John Updikes much-anthologized short story AP does not seem like a hero on the level of an Odysseus or a Hercules. Sammy is a cashier at a local grocery store. However, when three girls wearing bathing suits enter the AP, Sammy begins to experience a call to action. For the first time in his life, he takes a stand when he feels as if the pretty girls are being treated with a lack of respect. 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Stoksie and LengelRead MoreRaymond Carver with Cathedral and John Updike with AP979 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"Cathedral† and John Updike with â€Å"AP† â€Å"Cathedral† and AP both short stories written during the same century. But even though they both introduce stereotypical characters that somehow change their view of the world, they have many more different aspects. The stories differ in atmosphere and the quantity of people involve in each story. The story â€Å"Cathedral† only took place in a family house with only the husband, wife who can be qualified as a static character tried to kill herself in the past,Read MoreA P By John Updike1441 Words   |  6 Pagesthree of his short stories: â€Å"AP†, â€Å"Ace in the Hole†, and â€Å"Pigeon Feathers†. Updike’s narrative technique is explored through the analysis of plot structure, thematic patterning, and irony in these three short stories. The plot in each of these short stories focuses on normal American, middle-class life. â€Å"AP† is about a young man that does not want to conform to society and what others want him to do. Sammy deviates from the social norm by quitting his job at the AP while attempting to defend theRead MoreA P and Everyday Use Analysis and Comparison Essay1682 Words   |  7 PagesA P and Everyday Use Analysis and Comparison In a modern society where good deeds and integrity are taken for granted, it is necessary for people to stand up for what is right. The short story â€Å"A P†, written by John Updike, tells the story of Sammy and how he takes a stand for what he believes is right, only he is not given the gratitude he deserved. â€Å"Everyday Use†, written by Alice Walker, is another short story that shows how substantial it is to stand firm for one’s convictions and beliefs