Human Nature in AP by John Updikes - 1243 Words

John Updlikes, â€Å"AP† is a fictitious narrative that presents an insightful view on some facets of human nature. Our story takes place at an AP grocery store in a small Massachusetts town. We are taken into the mind of our 19-year old narrator, Sammy, who quickly leaves behind his innocence as a carefree teenager to become a man, with a realistic understanding of being an adult. Throughout this story, Updlike, creates scenes where peoples idealistic views of themselves and social norms, shake the monotonous routine of the AP. We are then able to observe the internal and external conflicts that the ideal self can create in the world around us. Updike, uses themes in â€Å"AP† to reveal through a carefully selected cross-section of society, how†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"We are decent, Queenie says suddenly, her lower lip pushing, getting sore now that she remembers her place,[†¦]†( Updlike 20). Like Queeine, Sammy, finds himself making choices on this day as well. Sammy, having been fond of Queeine, was more likely than others to understand her feelings of resentment, being lectured by this older man. He seemed to have taken the out lash personal, embarrassed for the girls, despite knowing that their attire had been startling to see in the AP. Sammy, though, was already at odds with the status of being an adult and its responsibilities that seemed forced down onto everyone at some point. He craved personal freedom and expression to create his own happiness and to avoid falling into the same trap like the other â€Å"marrieds† and â€Å"sheep†. Those already negative emotions were simply acting as fuel to the fire. Sammy, decided that his way of taking a stand against the repression of expression and freedom was to quit his job. By quitting his job he removed Lengel from power in his life. Sammy, walked out, hoping that Queenie would be impressed by him taking a stand. Instead, Sammy, finds himself alone, jobles s contemplating how the world has changed for him. Sammy’s, world was turned upside by the power of sex, which was another strong theme in â€Å"AP†. The three girls certainly caused a stir in the AP due to their appearance fromShow MoreRelatedJohn Updike Essay811 Words   |  4 PagesJohn Updike John Updike’s poems are written in a very peculiar style. Unlike most poets, Updike’s poems seem to tell a story, rather than depict a singular emotion. This is due to the fact that many of Updike’s poems deal with simple, yet focused topics. Updike masters the use of vivid language to produce powerful images in the minds of his readers. The use of such strong language in his poems allow his readers to see and experience the messages which he is portraying. Although the topicsRead More The American Male in John Updikes AP Essay918 Words   |  4 PagesThe American Male John Updike’s â€Å"AP†, is a short story that relates an episode in the life of a teenage (male) grocery store employee, circa 1961. Many critics suggest that this story is told through the eyes of the main character Sammy, and not through those of the author, John Updike. The label placed upon teenage males in modern society is often that of an à ¼ber sexist that views the female entity in only sexual lights. This assessment is supported in Updike’s story by means of diction andRead MoreA P By John Updike1441 Words   |  6 PagesJohn Updike is considered one of the greatest writers in modern American history. He is known for the idea that seemingly ordinary aspects of American life are actually quite fascinating. He wanted readers to see the beauty and magic of life, so he tried to describe everyday things using the most clear but beautiful language possible. 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Because of their needRead MoreGender Equality And Equality In Gender Men And Women728 Words   |  3 Pages  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the short story â€Å"AP† written by John updike,   the story shows that no matter who someone is, where they are from, their gender or their age, the basics do not change. People, are continuously at war with their need to feel something about themselves that sets them apart from others. By nature, people desire self expression, and some form of individualism. However, the desire inevitably will lead us to a cross road and a decision must be made. Humans, regularly have to battle both internal