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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 4 page paper provides an overview of some of the central themes of John Updike's story A & P. This paper considers the issue of point of view, especially Updike's use of the first person narrative. No additional sources cited.
Page Count:
4 pages (~225 words per page)
File: MH11_MHUpdike.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
Sammy is an individual who has a limited perspective, a perspective defined both by his surroundings (in this case a supermarket) and his sometimes base assessment of the human condition.
Sammys perspective creates an interesting means of viewing those who work in and enter the store, and his personal assessments are influenced by his desire to get out of
his environment and to free himself from his personal prison. In defining the influence of the use of the first person narrative on
the central themes of the story, it is necessary to understand some of the conceptual elements presented by Updike through Sammys reflections. Sammy is a person who suffers from
the frustration of being unable to respect his job, his life choices, and his role. Sammy does not like his job, and he does not respect the customers, who
he views as creatures presented to cause him conflict. Sammys reflections on the role of women and their value suggest that he is a sexist, and his bias against
women translates into reflections that suggest that they are either witches or sexual objects (187-189). While it is evident that Sammys perspective is dependent on his role as a
clerk in the store, he has no respect for his boss or the people who use his services. At the same time,
Sammy also believes himself to be a kind of hero, responding to Mr. Lengels challenging of three girls who enter the store in their bathing suits. What is interesting
to note is that Sammys actions are not particularly heroic from anyone elses standards than his own. Most people reading Sammys reflections on the scantily clad girls, would have
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