Topic > Analysis of the ideology of Marxism in A&P by John Updike

In the short story "A&P" written by John Updike several events are shown that take place in the story that would not have happened if the city had lived under a Marxist society. Marxism is a socioeconomic ideal in which all people work for the good of the community and is characterized by the absence of social class distinctions. The class division in 'A&P' is very evident, especially between Sammy, the proletariat, and the three girls, one of the three characterized as bourgeois. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essaySammy is shown to the readers as the bag boy and from this he does not get enlightenment by resisting the three girls who turn out Sammy arguing between him and his manager Lengel. In A&P, Sammy classifies the three girls shopping as upper class. He classifies them as upper class because of the way "Queenie" walks around the grocery store. She wears a bikini, has two friends/followers with her, and disrespects the manager when he asks the girls to leave. Queenie dressed in a bikini represents how she doesn't have to follow the "no shoes, no shirt, no service" policy rule. “She was the queen. She sort of led them, the other two looked around and turned their backs, she didn't look around, not this queen.” This portrays the fact that she is the middle class and acts like she owns the grocery store and everyone needs to get out of her way. Her friends following her prove that she is one of the most popular girls. When people think of girls or popular people in a story or movie, it's usually because they're rich, pretty, and have lots of friends. Queenie completely ignores Lengel, the store manager, staying behind to shop while he asks the girls to leave because they are not dressed appropriately. Sammy shows his lower class social position by the way he interacts with Lengel. Sammy is the proletariat who allows his leader to control what actions he pursues. “Sammy, you called about this purchase.” This shows a sense of fatigue in the way Sammy is controlled by his manager and tells him what to do. When Lengel asks the girls to leave, Sammy defends the girls and an argument between him, the girls and his boss. From this he tries to get information from the three girls who notice him getting up but unfortunately nothing happens. “The girls, who would blame them, are in a hurry to leave, so I say “I'm leaving” to Lengel fast enough for him to hear, hoping they'll stop and look at me, their unsuspecting hero. They continue to move forward...". This shows the message that Sammy, the proletariat, never reaches enlightenment and remains alienated. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In conclusion, it is obvious to see how living in Marxist society can cause conflict in this situation. Lengel, who is the boss, should have more say in what happens. The girls think there's nothing wrong because they're the customers, and Sammy doesn't see why it's a problem for the girls to be there shopping.