A+P

A detailed Summary of A+P

There are two types of heroes and anti-heroes. A person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life is a hero, such as Martin Luther King, John F. Kennedy, Abraham Lincoln and Jesus. A main character in a dramatic or narrative work that is characterized by a lack of traditional heroic qualities, such as idealism or courage is an anti-hero. I believe Sammy the main character in John Updike's short story "A&P" better fits the definition of an anti-hero because he is ordinary, directionless, and perplexed.

Updike begins the story "with three youthful girls wearing bathing suits entering the A&P, while young is Sammy working behind the register. Sammy

Gioia. New York: New York N.Y., 2000. 12-17

Sammy lacks traditional heroic traits, but does posses the most important characteristic, courage: the state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger, fears, and acts out bravery. This enables him to walk up to his boss and say, "I quit", allowing Sammy to face his fears and possibly change his future.

Sammy also does not fit the stereotypical mold of a hero, because he is perplexed. He is uncertain about how to attain his future; he is even uncertain about what the future holds. Unlike the heroes of today like Kurt Warner who won the Super Bowl and Mario Lemeuix who returned to hockey after being out for 3 1/2 years. Young Sammy is bewildered about his destiny.

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Approximate Word count = 546
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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A+P

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