English Walker

ENGL 3100
Dr. Ngezem
November 1, 2011
A Womans Worth:
A Sociological Critique of Updikes A & P
The role of women in society is forever changing but has always faltered in the eye of
the male population. Prior to the Women Movements of the late nineteenth through the early
twentieth centuries, women were generally viewed as property of their husbands and held little
to no rights. They were expected to behave according to a strict code and were out casted if
they did otherwise. The transition between that point in history to today a time where
women are even allowed to run for presidency has been a rocky, or controversial, one. John
Updikes A & P is a tale that addresses this changing role of women and how it affects various
types of people. Using a sociological critique, one can see the expectations of women in the
physical, mental, and spiritual aspect.
As previously stated, women were expected to conduct themselves mildly and to not
draw much attention to themselves. In return, we have the societal expectation that women
are to be covered almost completely so as to not bring too much attention on themselves. John
Updikes A & P is set during the summer of the early 1960s in a small town found in New
England. When three young, vivacious females enter the grocery store of this small town, they
immediately become the main attraction. They only have on their bathing suits. There was
nothing between the top of the suit and the top of her head except just her as they had
ventured from the freely, open beach to the strictly, limited grocery store atmosphere. This lax
in apparel in such an environment represents the relaxed restrictions that woman was newly
given; there was nothing standing in between woman and her pursuit of happiness, just herself.
Though the younger crowd may fawn over the site of generously exposed young women, the
older crowd, who had become accustomed to older traditions, scoffed at the idea of any self-
respecting female being so exposed. Lengel, the manager, represents the elder generation. He
reprimands the young women and reminds them that this isnt a beach. It is as if he is
reminding the young women to learn their place, both physically and metaphorically.
Though the Womens Suffrage Movement had expanded the rights of women, it had not
totally eradicated the boundaries between the sexes. The general mentality of this era was that
men were indeed still deemed superior and should be respected accordingly. This seemed to be
the confusion between the store managers assertiveness in reminded the young ladies where
they were versus the young ladies ease with coming in the grocery store as they were. The
main character, Sammy, is a coming-of-age male who is in awe with the presence of Queenie
(the leader of female group) and her friends. He gapes at, analyzes, and admires their diverse
appearances. From the chubby berry-faces to white prima donna legs Queenie and her
friends, it is apparent that they are tempting and innocently overbearing to man. Nevertheless,
the young ladies were clearly unaware of their error prior to Lengels reprimand. While clearly
blushing with embarrassment, the girls insist that they are decent contrary to Lengels belief
who says, Girls, I don't want to argue with you. After this come in here with your shoulders
covered. It's our policy." This clashing of ideals of what is and is not appropriate or acceptable
offers a view of tension between both gender and age groups. Thus, the reader sees symbolism
of the limitation that is placed on the openness that women are allowed.
The fact the store manager, Lengel, warns Queenie and her friends to (upon their next
visit to the grocery store) dress more appropriately indicates that man is giving women a
chance to tone down their vivacity and correct this newfound, overindulgent way of life. Such
spirituality displayed in women during the 1960s was still overall considered unorthodox. On
the other hand, Sammie freely quits his job in aims to prove a point to both Lengel and the
young ladies. Sammie symbolizes the rare support that this new age of woman was receiving
during this time. Lastly, the way that the girls leave the store in silence shows that women were
still not totally sure of their strengths which ultimately became their weakness. This uncertainty
of self leaves them in silence having no other way to fight back. This sense of liveliness versus
submissiveness is the basis on which the Womens Suffrage Movement was formed.
John Updikes A & P shows how the physicality, mentality, and spirituality of women
was still in transformation from what we typically read in history books to what we see today.
Given the many opportunities that women have today versus the vast limitations on the female
sex, it is apparent that women indeed have an underlying yet dominant impact on society. This
ongoing transition is still controversial to this day because there are women who dare to be
different and step out or, in Queenie and her friends case, step in to various situations
innocently, blindly, yet boldly. This defies and thus redefines the expectations of females of the
day.