RP #4

At its most basic level, “A & P” is a humorous short story, in which a young narrator acts in the name of “romantic love” and pays the price. The more optimistic reader may feel that this antagonist has been freed from his dead-end job. From a superficial viewpoint humor seems to be the focus of A&P. With a more in depth analysis it becomes clear that the theme of A&P is the power of desire. From the minute the three girls walk into the store, they draw the gaze of every man in A&P, this reveals the power they have over their male counterparts. Although they walk around the store seemingly oblivious to the hormone drenched stares, the three young women are aware of the attention they have captured. This dismissal of interest puts the girls in a position of power, by ignoring the presence of sexual interest they further the men’s desire specifically Sammy. The power of desire seems to act instantly within the young narrator. Within a few seconds of the girls’ advent into the store, Sammy loses his concentration, accidently ringing up a customer twice. “I ring it up again and customer starts giving me hell.” This incident is merely a taste of the power of desire that strengthens its grasp on Sammy. Their strategy works well, and the A&P’s male employees—even the unyielding Lengel—show some degree of sexual interest. However, Lengel ultimately undermines this strategy and tries to lessen their power. By confronting the girls so bluntly, Lengel calls the girls on their behavior, embarrassing them by suggesting that they are well aware of the