Updike Comparison

Updike portrays Sammy, the main character in his short story A&P, as a hero. The author sets the scene with three young women in bathing suits parading around the A&P; local grocery store. Updike's imagery details depict a scene of public nakedness that is shocking and stunning. Sammy's attention is on Queenie, the beauty of the three girls. Updike states that Sammy's character being blue collar is attracted to the women clearly of white collar social class. The author describes customers as sheep-like and Sammy as unsheep like. Showing that Sammy is willing to take chances despite the consequences. Sammy's character being interpreted as a rebellion, good outlaw, or a hero. He suggests that Sammy's character is a typically well-intention American male. The character acts on good impulse with a sense of feminist protest. Sammy gives up his good name for girls that disappear. In Updike's view Sammy's character is depicted as a hero. A masked hero, one who gains nothing.

As the reader I interpreted Sammy's character to be impulsive and hormonal. Sammy's act of heroism proves to be nothing more then act of attraction. Although Sammy expresses concern for the well-being of the women, I believe his act was done impulsively due to male hormones. Sammy risks ruining his work-reputation in a small town for the attention of the girls who do not even notice his so- called heroic deed. Sammy's character to me would not be a hero, but merely a fool.