Morality from Different Perspectives in aP by John Updike

What does it take to behave morally and ethically? Do all people know what morality is and how it can be measured? Certainly, every single person has his or her own set of moral ideas and concepts of right and wrong. Consequently, various people may understand morality differently. According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, morality is conformity to ideals of right human conduct. [1] In this research paper I would like to prove that morality can be seen differently for a different person under the same circumstances. I have based my research on a story AP written by John Updike. Though â€Å"AP† is a short story, it definitely has a very deep message. Personally, I believe that John Updike’s writing speaks about moral concepts and decency.†¦show more content†¦In this part of my research paper I would like to talk about Sammy, the protagonist, and his understanding of morality. Sammy is a nineteen-year-old boy, who works at the checkout line at AP where the story happens. He seems to be a little bit sarcastic person, because he is quite faultfinding with his clients and co-workers. For example, he calls one of the older cash-register-watchers â€Å"a witch with rouge on her cheekbones and no eyebrows, who would have been burned over in Salem† [5] However, he becomes literally mesmerized by Queenie when the girls in swimming suites show up in AP. He describes her as â€Å"a queen walking straight on slowly on these white prima donna legs.† [5] Certainly, we may notice that in case with Queenie Sammy is physically attracted, because he sees nothing, but her physical appearance, body, and outfit. Certainly, this reaction is very typical for a nineteen-year-old man who meets an attractive girl. Obviously, it doesn’t even occur to Sammy that wearing bathing suits in a supermarket or any public place is not quite appropriate and ethical no matter how cute the person is. Consequently, he believes that Queenie and her friends have acted absolutely morally while his manager has been undeservedly rude with them. However, I think that Sammy’s quitting the job the way he has done shows his immaturity and desire to be a superhero in front of girls rather than a protest against injustice. That is why when heShow MoreRelated Comparing Updikes AP and Joyces Araby Essay1336 Words   |  6 PagesComparing Updikes A P and Joyces Araby  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   John Updikes A P and James Joyces Araby share many of the same literary traits. The primary focus of the two stories revolves around a young man who is compelled to decipher the difference between cruel reality and the fantasies of romance that play in his head. That the man does, indeed, discover the difference is what sets him off into emotional collapse. One of the main similarities between the two stories is the fact that the mainRead MoreJohn Updike’s Portrayal of Individualism vs. Conformity in Society2079 Words   |  9 PagesA society consists of a community of people living together and sharing customs and traditions. Once immersed in this society, one can begin to see certain standards woven into the social fabric of the community. These standards, ranging from not walking into public areas scantily clad to not embarrassing people in front of others, are usually unspoken and sometimes cause strife. Young adults often find these standards to be extremely restricting and favor freedom of action over the collective controlRead MoreAn Analysis Of The Unknown Citizen By F. H. Auden2316 Words   |  10 Pagesthe rules that are made for the society. On the other hand, the short story â€Å"A P† by John Updike and the play â€Å"Antigone† by Sophocles there is a conformist character which enforces the rules set in place, and a rebellious character which goes against the principles of society. Each author depicts a character to represent the conformist and rebellious individuals within today’s society. Within the three different literary writings there is a character that acts as a conformist. W.H. Auden created