Looking Back in The Big Windows

The characters within the story “A&P 1” by John Updike are unique in a way that cannot be compared to other characters. Each character has their own personal flaws, as well as personal beliefs and ultimately, each character has their own actions. It is important to recognize all of these aspects, as well as the effects of these aspects and events on other characters in order to understand the ultimate lesson portrayed by the author throughout this story.

Sammy, the main character in this short story who is also the narrator, is an employee at a grocery store named “A&P.” Throughout the story the reader gathers more knowledge regarding Sammy’s daily activities at his job, and the people he encounters each day. Although it may not be stated clearly in the text, Sammy is a rather judgemental individual. Immediately at the beginning of this short story, he is observing and inspecting the girls that walk into the store. In the opening sentence of the story, Sammy states, “In walks these three girls in nothing but bathing suits” (437). Later in the second paragraph, he goes on to say, “There was this chunky one, with the two piece… there was this one, with one of those chubby berry faces… and a tall one” (438). Sammy goes on to examine every detail of the girls, from the way each of them walked throughout the store, to the color and texture of their hair. He even gives each of the girls their own nicknames regarding their appearance.

Next, Sammy’s manager Lengel interrupts the girls checking out at his register in order to tell them that their clothing is inappropriate for the store. At the same time as his manager is turning around and the girls are rushing to leave the store, Sammy tells Lengel that he is quitting his job. Whether Sammy did this in order to impress the girls, or for a more personal reason, it is obvious that there is a rebellious nature within himself. With Lengel being the reason Sammy has conflict throughout this story and why he made this pivotal decision to quit his job, it is obvious that Sammy is the protagonist with Lengel being the antagonist. Each of these characters in the story, including the sheep, described as the small amount of other shoppers in the store, are pivotal towards each character’s actions throughout the story. For example, without the three girls decision to walk into the store in nothing but bathing suits, or without Lengel’s decision to confront them about their clothing, who knows whether or not Sammy would have made the same decision to quit his job entirely. Also, if the story ended in a way where Sammy did not quit his job, the plot of the story would change. This story would not be the same without any missing individual, and the case is the same if you were to completely change the personalities of all of the characters. This is a prime example that describes how the grocery store originally known as “The Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company” and the characters in this story could possibly be real (437).

In the end, it is important to recognize and understand that each character is responsible for their own actions, as well as others. The decisions that each character makes can have an impact on the decisions of other characters. With that being said, the decisions of each and every character ultimately contribute to the lesson of this story, which is that a decision made must be a decision that is followed by action. In the end, looking back on past decisions, will never allow a person to move forward, just as McKayla Maroney said.