Change Through Defiance
...ls symbolize the decline of morality, decency, and Christian values. Assessing the girls as “indecent” Lengel says, “After this come in here with your shoulders covered. It’s our policy” (471). Lengel’s disdain stems from fear of immorality and the change in behaviors it signifies. In his conservative opinion, decent young ladies portray a certain image in public. In trying to reestablish his values Lengel invokes the concept of “policy”, the same policy that dictates the actions of the “sheep” found within the A&P. Queenie, on the other hand, symbolizes social progression, as she contemptuously defies established social mores. Queenie exists within a higher social class than the customers of the A&P. “She didn’t look around, not this queen, she just walked straight on these long white prima-donna legs” (469). The preceding quote exemplifies Queenie’s dismissive attitude. By walking slow and holding herself straight, Queenie creates a scene and a statement about her own values (469). She blatantly refuses to accept the standards of Lengel and takes a stand even as her friend backs down. Even as she blushes, she retorts, “We are decent” (471). This display of rebelliousness generates an epiphany within Sammy. Sammy, young grocery clerk, finds himself in the middle of a generational struggle. On one side, Lengel battles for conformity. On the other, Queenie asserts her right for independent expression. Sammy initially notices the girls in regards to their physical assets. After McMahon “sizes them up” Sammy says, “Poor kids, I began to feel sorry for them, they couldn’t help it” (470). Thus begins Sammy’s descent into his own questioning of social and cultural norms. He views the reactions of the “sheep” and Lengel at first with amusement, then with what he describes as a “scrunchy feeling inside” (472). Lengel’s embarrassment and hostile treatment of the girls forces Sammy to reject the social and cultural constraints of the older generation. By quitting his job, Sammy hopes to become “their unsuspected hero” (471). In his moment of rashness Sammy expanded on Queenie’s rebellion, perhaps admiring her commitment to diversity. In the next moment, Sammy reconsi...