The expectations of society give us two choices: to conform or to rebel and escape. In the story "A&P" John Updike comments on the nature of a desire to escape from society's restrictions. This story takes place during the nineteen sixties. The desire to escape colors our view of our circumstances. This is seen through Sammy's view of the A&P customers, his reaction to his boss, and his final actions which are a …showed first 75 words of 903 total…

…showed last 75 words of 903 total…stomach kind of fell as I felt how hard the world was going to be to me hereafter."12 It suggests that our "battles" should be well chosen and that we should consider the alternatives if we choose to rebel against something. Rebellion is also not for the faint of heart. 1John Updike, A&P. Seasons Of Life. Ed. Eva Taube (McClelland and Stewart Ltd., 1985) 137 2Updike 137 3Updike 139 4Updike 139 5Updike 139 6Updike 138 7Updike 138 8Updike 139 9Updike 139 10Updike 139 11Updike 139 12Updike 139