Generation Gap In A & P

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An Analysis of John Updike`s “A&P” A generation gap is a difference of opinions between one generation and another regarding beliefs, politics or values. The 60`s were full of historical events such as the civil rights movement, a war in Vietnam, women`s rights, and the JFK assassination. These events were all very influential to the youth of the decade, and the generational gap came to light when the younger generation began to go against everything their parents believed in, including music and government. In the short story “A&P” by John Updike, the main character experiences the chance of social acceptance and the challenge of making adolescent decisions. Updike depicts the generational gap of the 60`s and the beginnings of “breaking …show more content…

Sammy refers to the matured women as “sheep” and “house-slaves” to indicate that they are incapable of thinking for themselves and are more than willing to conform to the trends and standards of their time, while Sammy`s generation is more than happy to break the mold and form their own ideas and opinions. Sammy`s descriptions depict that these women are so numb and well trained in their daily routine that even setting off dynamite wouldn’t stop them from “checking oatmeal off their lists” (3). Sammy makes comments throughout the story that make a very sexist impression. He speaks about not understanding how the mind of a girl works, and then asks the readers if it buzzes like a “bee in a glass jar” (2). Although Sammy speaks negatively about the women in this story, the 60s was a time of great change for women. According to Dave Hood in his personal essay, in the beginning of the decade women were being portrayed as nothing but happy homemakers, secretaries, teachers and nurses. (Hood, Dave)Women that were never married were shown as unattractive, and women who asserted themselves were put off as nagging shrews. The first birth control pill changed the work force for women, creating the opportunity to choose when and if they would have children. Throughout the decade television shows still portrayed women in spotless, well-pressed outfits, but movies showed them in more casual and less traditional clothing such as a casual t-shirt and jeans. Women were becoming increasingly apparent in arts and sciences, and popular culture was developing a broader view on women’s role in

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