Characterization in John Updike's "A&P"

A detailed Summary of Characterization in John Updike's "A&P"


The short story "A&P" by John Updike, takes place in a grocery store in a small Massachusetts town where conservative social values are monotonous. When people follow a certain regime everyday, it is hard to accept change because people tend to like the way things are. It is a comfortable and easy routine to follow for most. Sammy, Updike's main character in "A&P", however, is the comical contrast to the 'normal' people of the town. He is a typical rebellious and smart-mouthed teenager who is very bored of the way he lives and is easily swayed by the appeal of three girls who comes in to the store. Uniquely, Updike uses Sammy to link food items in the store to develop characterization with the store manager; Lengel, the customers and the three girls.

As the manager, Lengel is a typical rule setter. He obeys and practices social customs in everything he does. In "A&P", he is a hard working man with much ambition in contrast with Sammy. Although these qualities are mentioned throughout the short story, he is instead, also descr


ibed as someone who is insignificant and of no value. "Over the peat moss and aluminum lawn furniture stacked on the pavement, I could see Lengel" (233), which is Sammy's indirect portrayal of Lengel. The use of peat moss signifies that he is equally low; similar to manure which is unappealing and the use of aluminum chairs reveals that he is a tightfisted (cheap) human being. Lengel follows policy because it is "what the kingpins want" (232), which fundamentally depicts a type if shallowness in him. Through these descriptions, Lengel is developed as an inferior human being.

Although at first glance, the link between the characters and items are not clearly seen. Updike uses them to further emphasize and develop the backgrounds and personalities of the characters. Cookies and peaches have a sweet and youthful appeal, whereas oatmeal has an old-fashioned impression. Likewise, peat moss and aluminum chairs give the impression of little worth and of unattractiveness. This use of characterization is very effective in permitting th

Some common words found in the essay are:
Updike Sammy, Sour Cream, John Updike, Sammy Updike's, Diet Delight, peat moss, , short story, peat moss aluminum, john updike, food items, usual customers, characters items, delight peaches, manager lengel, aluminum chairs, store swimsuits,

Approximate Word count = 696
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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