The Confrontation Between Ideal and Reality:An Analysis of Sammy's Failure in A&P

The sarcastic"rebel"Sammy aspires to shun the rules that bind him. Three girls who wear nothing but bathing suits in A&P prompt him to change his situation. The girls are objectified by the Other's look. They feel embarrassed and leave A&P in a hurry, signifying the failure of their rebellion. Sammy, in order to attract the girl's attentions and challenge the rules he is not satis-fied with, chooses to quit his job, but only finds that few changes have been made. He loses his job and failed to impress the girls due to his rash action. He needs to take the responsibility for his own choice. Though apparently failing, Sammy and these girls manage to exert some influence on those who are dissatisfied with the system and rules, which is necessary for the advancement of the society.