Sammy’s coming of Age

The Story of A&P: A Coming of Age

The story on A&P is narrated by a young person working as a grocery store clerk, and it represents a child's coming of age as he transitions into adulthood. Sammy's transition into maturity is typified by the sentiment with which he challenges conformity after the three girls arrive at the shop. Maybe Sammy did not want to work at the store and was hoping for an excuse to leave; therefore, the girls gave him the best chance. Even though the tale revolves around Sammy, the main theme entails a change in society; and therefore, this paper will strive to illustrate the coming of age of Sammy.<\/p>

Sammy's Boredom and Decision to Quit

Sammy's was bored by his job, and this contributed to his quitting. It typifies his coming of age, whereby he could make his own decision. All through the scenes, Sammy exemplifies his boredom by making a pattern with the noises and finding entertainment from it i.e. "Hello (bing) there, you (gung) hap-py pee-pul (plat)!" As the narrator implies, "the store's pretty empty, it being Thursday afternoon, so there was nothing much to do except lean on the register......" From this illustration, it is quite clear that Sammy was bored and was probably waiting for a chance to quit (Updike 19). Perhaps the fact that he needed the job was the reason keeping him in the store; otherwise, his actions and behavior typified a jaded employee. Therefore, by quitting he was able to make a choice as an adult.<\/p>

Ambitions for the Future

Sammy did not want to end up like Stokesie who is 22, married with two kids. As Sammy states, "as far as I can tell, that's the only difference" (Updike 19). He compares himself with Stokesie and affirms that marriage and the two kids were the only differentiating factors. He was ambitious and did not want to work at the grocery store forever, and when he thinks Stoksie is eyeing to be the manager some sunny day, he ironically responds that "maybe in 1990 when it's called the Great Alexandrov and Petrooshki Tea Company or something" (Updike 19). It is evident that progressing in life was almost impossible within the grocery store; therefore, as an individual approaching maturity, Sammy starts to think about his future. This action is illustrative of the transition from childhood to adulthood where one starts to make personal choices regarding his/her future.<\/p>

Standing Up for Change

Like an adult, Sammy stands up for the girls; first, because he wanted to get their attention and second because he believed they represented change and had a right to dress according to their wishes. Sammy's yearning for change is portrayed by the perception that when everybody dresses and conducts him/herself, in the same manner, it culminates to boredom. On the other hand, the girls were unique "walking around barefooted amidst people who wore proper attires" (Updike 18). He even uses the word "sheep" to define the store regulars, implying that they were only following the customs rather than showing their uniqueness (Updike 18). The three girls represented something else that made them stand out amongst many shoppers. As for Sammy, it was time to leave the boring store and start a new life regardless of the challenges.<\/p>

Conclusion: A Journey to Personal Freedom

In conclusion, the tale of A&P is a typical illustration of the transition from childhood to adulthood, where one starts to make his/her own decisions. By quitting his job at the store, Sammy comes of age. Probably it was his parents who got him this job, and he believed it was time to move on. As evidenced in the tale, Sammy was bored and did not want to be like Stokesie caged within the grocery store. He also stands up for the girls since he thought they represented change; and as a sign to gain their attention, he decides to quit. At 19 years of age, Sammy made a decision most adolescents make when they want to shape their future. They would rather stand for change and face the consequences than stay caged in the customs or policies of the society.<\/p>

Works Cited

Updike, John. A&P. n.d.