Losing control

Losing Control Significant incidents can alter a person’s best judgment and cause him to act out of the ordinary. An incident, such as this, happens to Sammy in John Updike’s short story, “A&P.” Working at a grocery store, Sammy is always ready for a little excitement. Due to the striking appearance of three half dressed girls, Sammy changes physically, mentally, and emotionally. Like any teenage boy, Sammy allowed his hormones to get …

…mother. As soon as the words came out of her mouth, Sammy “slid right down her voice into the living room” (Updike 826). He dreamt that he was attending a party at Queenie’s house, allowing himself to be overcome by his emotions. Trying to be a hero, Sammy mumbled that he quit as the girls were leaving the store. Sammy lost all control when he sacrificed his job for the sake of an emotional moment.