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Analysis of A&P by John Updike

             John Updike's A & P is a vivid portrayal of the perils of growing up as seen through the eyes of a young grocery store clerk. It is a story of a young man named Sammy's journey from being an adolescent with no real grasp of the real world to a young man preparing for the lifelong journey. Updike uses vivid verbal imagery to give the reader a clear image of every element of the story.
             In the beginning of the story, Sammy seems to be a typical immature nineteen year old, which seems to have no grasp on real life. He is very distracted by three young girls in swimming suits who have come into the grocery store. Sammy's attention shifts to one girl in particular. As Sammy watches the girls wander about the store he is very intrigued by their every move. When the girls prepare to check out, Sammy's manager Lengel informs the girls that they are improperly dressed and embarrasses the girls in front of everyone in the store. Lengel's actions infuriate Sammy and he quits his job. Sammy must then face the real world.
             In this story Updike uses vivid verbal imagery to give a clear image of every element of the story. Updike's description of the three girls gives such a clear image that they are easily pictured in the mind. He describes every aspect of the girls from the way they walk into the store, their physical appearances, and their attitudes when they are wondering in the store. More .
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             attention is brought to the girl that has caught Sammy's eye; Updike describes the girl's bathing suit in vivid detail as well as her physical features. Updike's descriptions of the girls give the reader the ability to clearly visualize each girl and their actions. .
             In the story Updike also uses the element of conflict between Sammy and Lengel. The conflict erupts when Lengel embarrasses the girls that Sammy had been admiring. Sammy who wanted to appear as a hero to the girls quits his job because of Lengel's actions.


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9. A&P

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