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In the 1950s, there were noticeable generation gaps between parents and children, but it wasn't until the 1960s that a major turning point occurred in the nation. These differences still exist today, with younger generations displaying variations in behavior, music preferences, and language use compared to their elders. The new generations strive to set themselves apart from the old by adopting new slang and attempting to create a distinction from the previous generation. In John Updike’s “A & P”, a teenage boy named Sammy challenges his boss while working as a cashier at a local store called A&P.
Sammy defends three girls in bathing suits and resides in a quiet town where not much happens.
Within every teenager, there is a struggle. Sammy dislikes his job and the store where he works, likening the customers to sheep. He compares the girls in the store to a pinball and sees the store itself as a pinball machine. Lengel, the manager, is portrayed as a kingpin in Sammy's eyes.
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These observations contribute to Sammy's internal conflict, as he grapples with his social class limitations and desire for admiration. According to Joseph Lostracco's "Analyzing Short Stories," Sammy's conflict arises from his need to stand up for Queenie and her friends while also wanting to be liked by others.
The other ‘market dwellers’ were shocked, with Queenie and her friends for walking into the store wearing bathing suits and no shoes. Sammy’s conflict occurs when his manager Lengel was telling the girls they couldn’t wear swimsuits out in public.
Lengel found it to be inappropriate for women to be in swimsuits in public places, Lengel tells the girls “Girls this isn’t the beach” (Updike 1169). According to Updike's narration, it is more acceptable for girls to be in bathing suits at the beach than in a place like the A&P. Sammy's conflict becomes external as he feels he can impress the girls by coming to their rescue, although they leave before he quits. There is a conflict for approval in every culture, with generation gaps evident in the fifties and sixties as young people seek different things from their parents. The major cultural shift, however, occurred during the sixties.
The young people desired freedom and individuality, with Queenie seeking to be part of the movement while Sammy finds himself caught between generations. Lengel criticizes the girls as embarrassing themselves, whereas Sammy believes they shouldn't have been embarrassed. Despite society's ability to establish its own moral code and culture, it cannot satisfy everyone's needs. Lostracco argues that the humorous tone in "A&P" revolves around the challenges of growing up. Updike effectively portrays the impulsive nature of youth seeking acceptance. Sammy is captivated by three girls entering the grocery store in bathing suits, particularly focusing on Queenie's confidence and leadership within the group. Despite Queenie's ideals, she is not without flaws, as described by Sammy in detail. Sammy ponders the girls' interactions and appearances, highlighting their significance. Lengel is depicted as a strict and uptight figure, embodying the stereotype of a boss.
Lengel, a misunderstood hard worker, replaces Sammy after he quits his job. Sammy views Lengel as observant like a "Sunday school superintendent" who hides in his office all day. Lengel explains to Sammy that quitting will hurt his parents, whom he has known for years. Despite this, Sammy rebels against the store due to how Lengel treated the girls in bathing suits, symbolizing freedom and defiance of social norms. The differing perspectives on the bathing suits represent Sammy's struggle to define himself. In the changing 1960s, Sammy becomes a hero by standing up for Queenie and her friends, reflecting a societal shift towards protests against war and discrimination. (Updike 1171; Craats 4)
In the 1960s, there were significant protests that sometimes turned violent, focusing on issues like racism, the Vietnam War, and government policies. Influenced by the Civil Rights movement, many young Americans joined in to raise awareness about civil rights issues nationwide. Sammy rebelled against his small hometown's conventional morality while trying to balance asserting his individuality and pleasing his parents. Queenie emerged as a leader within their group during this time. After quitting his job, Sammy understood the challenges he would face ahead and recognized the harsh realities of the world. Despite potential backlash, he believed he had made the right decision for himself. Today, there is a growing generation gap due to younger generations' heavy reliance on technology. The 1960s also marked a period in American history when social revolution was prevalent.
Engaging in peace and social justice involves advocating for gender equality and embracing individuality. Queenie and her friends, for instance, wanted the freedom to wear swimsuits and go barefoot in the grocery store without judgment, signaling a shift towards greater acceptance of diversity in society. In the 1960s, such behavior was less accepted. Sammy, criticized by his boss Lengel for supporting the girls, challenged the generation gap and asserted his independence. John Updike's use of first person narration in "A&P" captures both the girls' perspective and Sammy's journey towards self-discovery. The story emphasizes the importance of standing up for one's beliefs even when they differ from others. Conflicts over differing values are not limited to teenagers but also occur among adults on a regular basis.
Generational Conflict in John Updike's "A&P". (2016, Apr 10). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/john-updikes-ap-short-story-review-essay
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