An Unconventional Identity :: essays research papers

An Unconventional Identity      Symbolism is a relatively straight in the lead concept on its surface. It is a visible object or action that suggests some further meaning in addition to itself. Most literary whole shebang use symbols to expand on the meaning of the piece of work. "A&P" by John Updike, is a rich story presenting the main cerebration of mans struggle to attain individuality within society. Through his work, Updike uses the three girls sense of non-conformity as symbolism to enhance Updikes theme of determination individuality and to identify the change in Sammy.     A&P starts off with three girls walking into a grocery store in secret code but their bathing suits (14). The A&P is five miles from a beach (16), in the middle of town. They are having fun and enjoying themselves although the way they are dressed to kill(p) is not appropriate for where they are, but it does not bother them at all. Soon after th eir entrance, they catch the eye of Sammy. Sammy follows the girls around the store with his eyes, describing them very thoroughly, even describing angiotensin converting enzyme of the girls sweet broad soft-looking can, with those two crescents of white just under it (14). Sammys sharp and critical observations ab aside the people around him confirms that he is discontent with the norms of society.      When Lengel, the store manager, catches the three girls in his store breaking the dress policy, he confronts and informs them that "this isnt the beach" (17). He then                                              Herber 2subtly insults them by saying, "we want you decently dressed here" (17). Although the girls say that they are decent (17), the reader recognizes the fac t that the girls are breaking rules by their embarrassment and hurrying out of the store. Yet, even though their rebellion is not intended, because all they initially have to do is pick up a jar of herring snacks (17), their nonconformity makes a significant difference in Sammys perception of them. In his eyes, the mere fact that they are different from the others, makes them more appealing. After being introduced to the beauty of nonconformity, Sammy is inspired to be the unsuspected hero (18) and quit his job.     Sammy, on the edge of reaching his own identity, is presented with a perfect example of what he longs to be - different.