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A&P

An Enticing Revolution
For the past century social morals and values have been pushed by America’s youth. In the twenties, prohibition, the changing role of women, and mass media reeked havoc on social standards. The fifties issued in James Dean, and the greasers rebelling against society. In the sixties the sexual revolution took hold. Authors have symbolized these rebellions in their literature throughout history. With each generation comes a new rebellion against social standards. Updike portrays this loosening of morals in “A & P.”
The three girls wearing bathing suits represent a loosening of social morals. By wearing bathing suits into the supermarket the girls draw everyone’s attention. Their provocative dress symbolizes the freedom of the sexual revolution. The threesome walk in the A & P knowing they are inappropriately dressed. The girls meander around the entire store, turning heads, before purchasing a single can of herring snacks. Their radical behavior and carelessness for policy symbolize social rebellion. Men and women alike find their dress provocative. Sammy was especially enthralled with the girls dress and demeanor.
Sammy is a symbol for America’s impressionable youth. Being from a blue-collar family, Sammy is a middle-of-the-road, rule-abiding adolescent. Upon first glance of the girls, he becomes attracted to not only their physical attributes, but more so their radical behavior. Inside, Sammy envies the girls demeanor. The threesome push the boundaries, showing Sammy a new outlook on life. Sammy is so attracted to the girls’ attitude; he quits his job hoping to attract their attention. Sammy realizes that by choosing to quit his job he will disappoint his parents. Even revolutionaries know, bringing about social change is a hard road to travel. By rebelling against his boss he is taking a different path, he no longer wants to be a sheep following the herd.
Sunday school teacher and A & P manager, Lengel is a symbol...