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 …showed first 75 words of 442 total…

…showed last 75 words of 442 total…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.