John Updike's "A&P"

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As the narrator, Sammy, describes in the story, “A&P was right in the middle of town and women generally put on a shirt or shorts or something before they get out of the car into the street.” It was the appropriate thing to do. To Sammy, however, it was appropriate only if you had “six children and varicose veins mapping your legs and nobody could care less.” Contrary to his belief, however, just because you are beautiful and look good in a bathing suit does not mean you are an exception to any rule. Even if the same had occurred today , I believe the reaction would be similar because it is just inappropriate to walk into a convenient store with only a bathing suit on. It is not only distracting to the customers and the employees, but it is degrading and only proper attire for the beach.
We see this enforcement of policy through Lengel’s confrontation with the girls. When Lengel first steps out of his office and sees the girls, he simply says, “Girls, this isn’t the ...

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