Primarily, the historical setting of the story, “The A & P”, tremendously affects the decisions of the main characters. This story took place in the early to mid 1900's, and during this time it was not acceptable to appear in public dressed inappropriately. If this incident would have taken place today, then nobody would think anything of it, and there would be nothing to write a story over. However, because it happened so long ago, people were appalled at the behavior of the three girls. This time period affected the entire outcome of the story because today a grocery store manager would probably not even think twice about three girls being in his store wearing their bathing suits; therefore, nothing would have ever been said to Sammy, and he never would have quit his job trying to stand up for the rights of the girls.
Furthermore, the geographical setting of this story also affects the ending. “The A & P” takes place in a small town in the United States. If this story would have occurred in any country other than the United States there might have been much more sever consequences for the behavior of the three girls. In most countries this would have been completely unheard of, and women would have never even thought of going into public without being fully clothed from head to toe, much less in their bathing suits. The fact that they were in a small town approximately five miles away from the beach also makes it more daring the girls chose to wear nothing but their bathing suits into the grocery store (Updike 115). In the story, Sammy stated that “the women generally put on a shirt or shorts or something before they get out of the car into the street” (Updike 115). The reason for this is because the grocery store is located in the middle of town and not directly on the beach. If it would have been closer to the beach, then the behavior of the girls might not have been quite so shocking to the store manager.
Symbolism plays an intricate part in bringing meaning to the short story. In “A&P”, making sense of the symbolism was obscure because of the complexity of Sammy’s personality. Sammy disliked his antagonist, his job, and felt no pride in his work, however he used it as means to please his parents who he lived with. In result the three girls represented happiness and a life that appealed to the eye of Sammy. Sammy envied Queenie’s personality and symbolized what he wanted to be, a leader. He wanted purpose and meaning to his life instead of living with his parents. His need for life outside of the A&P is essential.
In conclusion, “A&P” creates an in depth example of many literary concepts used to write a brilliant short story such as; first person narration, geographical setting, and symbolism. The story reflects an ample case of an adolescent becoming a man in his struggle for existence and purpose. This piece is indeed sufficient literature because of its diverse meanings and adequate literary teachings.
Primarily, the historical setting of the story, “The A & P”, tremendously affects the decisions of the main characters. This story took place in the early to mid 1900's, and during this time it was not acceptable to appear in public dressed inappropriately. If this incident would have taken place today, then nobody would think anything of it, and there would be nothing to write a story over. However, because it happened so long ago, people were appalled at the behavior of the three girls. This time period affected the entire outcome of the story because today a grocery store manager would probably not even think twice about three girls being in his store wearing their bathing suits; therefore, nothing would have ever been said to Sammy, and he never would have quit his job trying to stand up for the rights of the girls.
Furthermore, the geographical setting of this story also affects the ending. “The A & P” takes place in a small town in the United States. If this story would have occurred in any country other than the United States there might have been much more sever consequences for the behavior of the three girls. In most countries this would have been completely unheard of, and women would have never even thought of going into public without being fully clothed from head to toe, much less in their bathing suits. The fact that they were in a small town approximately five miles away from the beach also makes it more daring the girls chose to wear nothing but their bathing suits into the grocery store (Updike 115). In the story, Sammy said that “the women generally put on a shirt or shorts or something before they get out of the car into the street” (Updike 115). The reason for this is because the grocery store is located in the middle of town and not directly on the beach. If it would have been closer to the beach, then the behavior of the girls might not have been quite so shocking to the store manager.
Finally, the physical setting of this story plays a major role in the outcome. This story occurred during the afternoon in the summer. It was a pretty sunny day outside, and everything happened in a grocery store. If it would have been night time, or even evening, the girls would have more than likely not been in their bathing suits in the first place; therefor, the conflict between Sammy and his boss would have never occurred, and Sammy would have never lost his job. It is also extremely relevant that the story occurred in the summer and in a grocery store. Obviously, if it would have been cold outside none of the events in the story would have ever taken place, and back then it was expected that when entering a grocery store people should be wearing shoes and appropriate clothing. In other places, such as a convenient store, these requirements might not have been so strongly enforced. For instance, many people would walk into a gas station dressed inappropriately and not wearing any shoes, and for the most part nobody would think anything about it. However, in a grocery store this is not the case. In the story Sammy says, “It is one thing to have a girl in a bathing suit down on the beach, where with that glare nobody can look at each other much anyway, and another thing in the cool of the A & P” (Updike 114). This proves how unacceptable this would have been back then.
The setting in “A&P”, gives good reason for why the characters acted in certain ways and why they were dressed in particular outfits. Also, the various physical characteristics of the setting affected the atmosphere and mood of the story as a whole. The small grocery store, five miles from the beach, gives explanation for why the girls were dressed the way they were, and also why they found no fault in walking in a grocery store wearing only bikinis. Furthermore, the geographical setting of a big summer colony of older tourists gives reason why “the sheep” acted the way they did. A few house slaves in pin curlers even looked around after pushing their carts past to make sure what they had seen was correct. Essentially, the setting plays a role in finding reason in the story.
Sammy, the first person narrator, plays an essential role in portraying an in depth viewpoint of the story. Thus, Sammy tells us that he lives with his parents and that he disapproves of the supermarket’s customers. He labels them clueless, ignorant, and lost when he refers to them as, “The sheep pushing their carts down the aisle”. He also tells the reader how three teenage girls attract much attention to them when they walk in with nothing but bathing suits on. He goes into depth on each of their physical features, such as their bikinis and body shapes. Furthermore, he tells us their actions, attitudes, and gestures. In using first person narration, Sammy is able to present incidents very convincingly.