Corporate Mentality In John Updike's A & P

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“A&P” by John Updike is a short story that explains more than just a simple conflict between Sammy and his unhappiness at his job. It is an exploration of human nature and of the corporate mentality. Updike shines light on the expectations of society, whether or not people will obey the rules and regulations of the system, or become rebels like Sammy and Queenie. Sammy actions also raises the question on whether a person is defined by his or her actions. Human nature would not exist if it wasn’t for society. Society sets rules and guidelines we should follow in order to fit in and have a stable life. A&P is more than just a simple store. It is an example of the corporate mentality. Sammy, who is just a 19 year old boy, describes the customers …show more content…

The character Stokesie is an example of a person who follows both. He is a married 22 year old man who has two children and hopes to make a career at A&P by slowly climbing the ladder of management. Sammy views Stokesie as an example of how he might end up if he continues to work at A&P. Another character who is conforming to society and embraces the corporation mentality is Lengal, the manager of A&P. He supports and enforces the ideals of society to his employees and customers. He is described as being stiff, uptight and hiding behind his door all day with the label MANAGER on it. Lengal poses a threat to Sammy on how horrible his future could be if he were to continue working at …show more content…

Any person in general can be defined by his or her actions. When Sammy tells Lengal he quits, Lengal asks Sammy to repeat what he said, even though he heard him the first time. Sammy saying he quit did have an impact, but it’s when Sammy took of his apron that it set him apart from everyone else in the store. He wasn’t a “sheep” or a corporate follower. His removal of his apron, just like Queenies bathing suits, expresses freedom from the chains of society and the corporate mentality. Sammy's decision to quit places him on an uncertain path for his future, but at least he has a future where he can be true to

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