A&P by John Updike

               The setting of A&P by John Updike contributes to the overall story because of its cultural shift from the 1950s to the 1960s and its placement on a Thursday afternoon. In the 1950s, the unsaid rule was to cover up one's body. This changed a lot in the 1960s when people started taking more risks and showing more skin. This contributes to the story because it shows why the girls came in the grocery store with only their bathing suits on. It also shows that some people may not have been used to the idea of dressing less conservatively yet. For example, Lengel may have disliked this new idea of a more provocative culture and this is why he started the conflict with the girls' wearing their bathing suits into the store.

               The author's deliberate placement of the story on a Thursday afternoon determines who is in the store. There are mostly stay-at-home moms at the store, and the store is not that busy. This all contributes to the fact that it was a very boring day at work for Sammy. So, when the girls walk in it gets exciting for Sammy and he now has something to occupy himself with. The fact that the story happened on a Thursday afternoon practically causes the rest of the events in the story to unfold.

             

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