The Conflict in "A&P" by John Updike.

        Another conflict arose between the traditional customers and the girls. From the moment the girls enter the store “…in nothing but bathing suits,” they came in with the attitude (and attire) to raise eyebrows (14). As for the traditional customers, they were not accustomed to this shocking change in atmosphere. Indeed, these customers are described as if they are all alike: for instance, he referrers to them as “…sheep” (15). These customers are also described as, “…houseslaves in pin curlers…”, and “…usually women with six children and varicose veins mapping their legs…” (16). The girls also disturb the normal routine of the customers by “…walking against the usual traffic…,” which is yet another change they found shocking (15). To bring conflict, the girls exemplify nonconformity by their indecent attire and the disruption of the daily routine of the traditional customers.

        One of the final conflicts occurs when Lengel spots the girls and confronts them. Lengel exists as the embodiment of authority and conformity in the store. He is described by Sammy as “pretty dreary, teaches Sunday school and the rest…,” which can explain his set values and strong morals (17). As Lengel approaches the girls, he tells them, “…this isn’t the beach” (17). This comment embarrasses the girls and creates tension between Sammy and Lengel, then between Lengel and the girls. To add conflict, the girls act defiantly and nonconformative by the way in which they argue back with Lengel as if they have done nothing wrong. For example, one could simply just agree and apologize, but instead, “Queenie” fights back saying, “’we are decent’” (17).

        The effects of these conflicts existing throughout the story lead up to the conversation between Lengel and Sammy. “I quit” are Sammy’s words as the girls are leaving the store (18). As he walks out the door, he turns and looks at what he left behind. Sammy’s fate is determined by his act of trying to become an “…unsuspected hero” (18). Therefore, in the end, he stands in the parking lot jobless and womanless. In a sense, he feels as though his effort to stand up for the girls is useless. His final thought in the story is “…my stomach kind of fell as I felt how hard the world was going to be to me hereafter” (19). This thought can be interpreted as the realization that life will be difficult for him from that moment on if he continues to stands up against conformity and for what he believes is right.