A&P (story)

"A&P" is a short story by John Updike in which the hero seemingly takes a stand for his version of what is right, only to face disappointment.

Related Topics:
Short story - John Updike - Hero

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A teenage clerk in an A&P grocery is working the cash register on a hot summer day when some young women about his age enter, clad in bathing suits, to make some minor purchases. The prudish manager of the store feels that they are not clothed appropriately to be in the store, but still allows them to purchase their items as long as they come in properly dressed the next time. The clerk is offended by this action and ceremoniously removes his store apron and resigns on the spot, despite the mention by the manager of the lengths to which the clerk's father had gone to get him this summer job. The clerk then leaves the store, seemingly in expectation of some display of affection or appreciation from the young women involved, only to find that they have left the area entirely. The clerk's disappointment in this development strikes a very typical Updike theme.

Related Topics:
Teenage - Clerk - A&P - Bathing suits

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