An Unconventional Identity :: essays research papers

An Unconventional Identity      Symbolism is a relatively straight forward concept on its surface. It is a obvious object or action that suggests some further meaning in addition to itself. Most literary works use symbols to expand on the meaning of the piece of work. "A&P" by washstand Updike, is a rich story presenting the main idea of mans struggle to make headway identity within society. Through his work, Updike uses the three girls superstar of non-conformity as symbolism to enhance Updikes theme of finding individuality and to identify the change in Sammy.     A&P starts eat up with three girls walking into a grocery store in zipper but their bathing suits (14). The A&P is five miles from a beach (16), in the middle of t testify. They atomic number 18 having fun and enjoying themselves although the way they atomic number 18 robed is not appropriate for where they argon, but it does not bother them at all. Soon af ter their entrance, they catch the eye of Sammy. Sammy follows the girls around the store with his eyes, describing them real thoroughly, even describing one of the girls sweet broad soft-looking can, with those two crescents of white just under it (14). Sammys sharp and critical observations close to 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 fact that the girls a re 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 emollient up a jar of herring snacks (17), their nonconformity makes a substantive 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.