David's Short Fiction Blog

John Updike's short story A & P has 19 year old Sammy dissatisfied with his society and the place he finds himself in that society.  His slot in life has him in a dead end rut, working at the A & P supermarket at a cash register.  He uses the customers to play out the inner workings of his life.  In the first paragraph of the story, he calls his customer a witch.  He "smooths out her feathers" and uses the word "snort" to describe her.  This animalistic dehumanization of this customer is our first inkling that Sammy is less than satisfied with where he finds himself as well as the "sheep" of society.  When three girls come in to the store, he begins to play out a scenario of how he views them as members in the upper economic echelons of society.  Towards the end of the story, he takes a stand against the societal construct he despises, as well as his tedious job and quits.  However, it seems he quickly regrets the decision when he states: ...

 Everyday Use shows the cost and the value in embracing an old heritage and a new identity.  Both viewpoints can have benefits and both can be expensive to hold on to.  Mrs. Johnson and Maggie seemed to be content with the status quo and the simplicity of their lives.  Perhaps there is a comfortable, but distorted familiarity with the traditions they have grown accustomed to.  This mindset may keep them living in the bubble they are in and not further expand their horizons.  However, even though they are not educated, there is a homespun type of wisdom that is gained only through their generational ties.  Nevertheless, who is to dictate what makes one person feel whole and complete.  The inheritance of the family quilts and of the heritage finally brings a real smile to Maggie.      Wangero/Dee and Asalamalakim seem to represent the opposite end of this spectrum.  They do not want to be associated with their birth names becau...

     Everyday Use shows the cost and the value in embracing an old heritage and a new identity.  Both viewpoints can have benefits and both can be expensive to hold on to.  Mrs. Johnson and Maggie seemed to be content with the status quo and the simplicity of their lives.  Perhaps there is a comfortable, but distorted familiarity with the traditions they have grown accustomed to.  This mindset may keep them living in the bubble they are in and not further expand their horizons.  However, even though they are not educated, there is a homespun type of wisdom that is gained only through their generational ties.  Nevertheless, who is to dictate what makes one person feel whole and complete.  The inheritance of the family quilts and of the heritage finally brings a real smile to Maggie.      Wangero/Dee and Asalamalakim seem to represent the opposite end of this spectrum.  They do not want to be associated with their bir...