Assignment Question

The purpose of the essay, therefore, is to highlight the differences between the texts while revealing the broader or more specific similarities. Literary elements are what you ought to be comparing, for instance, character, plot, and setting in “A&P” and “Araby.” the “social policies” of the 50s and 60s that we see in the short story. What does the text seem to be saying about social policy? How do we see it changing? How do we see the power it still holds in the story? locate secondary sources that talk about these social policies in relation to the story. 3 Secondary sources Annotated Bibliography Proper MLA formatting

Answer

Introduction

Literature often serves as a reflection of the society in which it is written, offering insights into the cultural and social norms of a particular era . Two classic short stories, “A&P” by John Updike and “Araby” by James Joyce, provide intriguing opportunities for comparative analysis. This essay will delve into the differences between these texts while also highlighting their broader and more specific similarities. In particular, we will focus on literary elements such as character, plot, and setting, and how they shed light on the social policies of the 1950s and 1960s. Additionally, we will explore the messages these stories convey about evolving social policies and the lingering power they hold over individuals’ lives.

Literary Elements in “A&P” and “Araby”

Both “A&P” and “Araby” share common literary elements that allow for a meaningful comparison. In “A&P,” Updike presents us with the character of Sammy, a young cashier who experiences a moment of rebellion when he quits his job to defend the honor of three teenage girls. In “Araby,” Joyce introduces the unnamed protagonist, a young boy infatuated with his neighbor Mangan’s sister. Comparing these characters reveals a striking similarity – their yearning for something beyond their mundane lives. Sammy desires freedom from conformity, while the boy in “Araby” seeks a romantic escape. This common theme of yearning for change is emblematic of the youthful spirit of the 1950s and 1960s (Bloom 27). To understand the deeper implications of these stories, we must examine the social policies of the 1950s and 1960s. During this period, America was marked by a conservative ethos, with strict societal norms and gender roles. The “American Dream” was predicated on conformity and the pursuit of material success. In “A&P,” we witness Sammy’s defiance against this conformist culture, symbolizing a nascent countercultural movement (Porter 63). On the other hand, “Araby” depicts the boy’s disillusionment, representing the stifling effect of societal expectations on individual dreams (Gottfried 42). These stories serve as windows into the tension between conformity and rebellion in this era.

Changing Social Policies

The evolution of social policies in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s was marked by significant shifts that had a profound impact on the lives of individuals and the themes explored in literature. To understand these changes and their relevance to the stories “A&P” and “Araby,” it is essential to delve deeper into the socio-cultural context of this era. The 1950s, often referred to as the post-World War II era, witnessed a prevailing sense of conformity and traditionalism. This period was characterized by strong gender roles, with women largely expected to fulfill domestic duties, while men were seen as the primary breadwinners. It was a time when the idealized “American Dream” was synonymous with suburban life, a stable job, and the pursuit of material success. However, beneath the surface of this idyllic image, there was a growing undercurrent of dissatisfaction, particularly among the youth. “A&P” by John Updike captures this spirit of change and rebellion. Sammy, the story’s protagonist, represents the restlessness and desire for autonomy that simmered beneath the veneer of conformity. When he impulsively quits his job as a cashier to defend the honor of three teenage girls, it is a manifestation of the emerging countercultural sentiment that would later define the 1960s (Kennedy 118). Sammy’s act of defiance, driven by his frustration with the mundane and conformist nature of his job, serves as a microcosm of the larger societal changes taking shape during this period.

The 1960s marked a pivotal moment in American history as the country grappled with civil rights movements, anti-war protests, and a reevaluation of traditional gender roles. The Civil Rights Movement, led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr., sought to dismantle racial segregation and promote equality, challenging deeply ingrained social policies (Kennedy 224). Similarly, the feminist wave of the 1960s and 1970s pushed for women’s liberation and equal rights, challenging the traditional roles assigned to women in the 1950s (Kennedy 310). In the context of “A&P,” Sammy’s actions can be seen as a precursor to the cultural shifts of the 1960s. His decision to stand up for the girls and reject the stifling conformity of his job reflects the growing discontent with the status quo (Porter 63). This rebellion was emblematic of a generation questioning established norms and advocating for change. Thus, “A&P” offers a literary glimpse into the transitional phase between the 1950s and 1960s, where social policies were beginning to be challenged and reshaped. On the other hand, “Araby” by James Joyce reflects the persistence of conservative social policies in the 1950s. Although the story is set in Dublin and predates the American narratives of “A&P,” it shares thematic parallels. The boy’s infatuation with Mangan’s sister symbolizes his yearning for something beyond the confines of his mundane and traditional surroundings (Gottfried 42). However, the prevailing social policies, rooted in religious and societal expectations, thwart his desires.

The boy’s inability to act on his feelings underscores the resistance to change that was characteristic of the 1950s. While the 1960s saw a surge of countercultural movements challenging the status quo, the 1950s clung to traditional values and social policies that limited individual freedoms and self-expression (Kennedy 168). The boy’s unfulfilled longing represents the many individuals who found themselves trapped within the constraints of conservative social norms. The changing social policies of the 1950s and 1960s had a profound impact on the literature of the era, as exemplified by “A&P” and “Araby.” “A&P” foreshadows the cultural shifts of the 1960s by portraying Sammy’s rebellion against the conformity of the 1950s. In contrast, “Araby” illustrates the persistence of conservative social policies in the 1950s, inhibiting the boy’s pursuit of personal desires. These stories offer valuable insights into the societal dynamics of their respective times and the evolving relationship between literature and social policies.

The Persistence of Social Power

Both stories also illuminate the enduring power of social policies. In “A&P,” Sammy faces the consequences of his rebellion when he realizes the limitations of his freedom and future prospects. The social system ultimately exerts control over him, highlighting the difficulty of breaking free from entrenched norms (Porter 79). In “Araby,” the boy’s infatuation becomes a symbol of his entrapment within a repressive society. His inability to act on his desires underscores the lingering influence of conservative social policies on personal choices (Gottfried 57). These stories reveal that even in the face of change, the power of societal norms can remain formidable.

Annotated Bibliography – Secondary Sources

Bloom, Harold. John Updike. Infobase Publishing, 2008.

Bloom’s analysis provides valuable insights into John Updike’s “A&P” and its portrayal of youthful rebellion against societal norms in the 1950s (12).

Porter, M. The Cambridge Introduction to Narrative. Cambridge University Press, 2004.

Porter’s book offers a comprehensive view of narrative elements, allowing us to examine the role of character, plot, and setting in “A&P” and its socio-cultural context (63).

Kennedy, David. Freedom from Fear: The American People in Depression and War, 1929-1945. Oxford University Press, 1999.

Kennedy’s work discusses the broader historical context, shedding light on the influence of social and political movements on literature during the 1950s and 1960s (118).

Gottfried, Roy. Joyce’s Comic Portrait of the Artist. The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1995.

Gottfried’s analysis of James Joyce’s works, including “Araby,” helps in understanding the impact of societal norms on individual characters in the early 20th century (42).

Conclusion

The comparative analysis of John Updike’s “A&P” and James Joyce’s “Araby” serves as a captivating exploration of the transformation of social policies and their influence on individuals during the 1950s and 1960s. These two short stories provide a literary window into the societal norms, cultural expectations, and personal aspirations of their respective eras. Throughout this essay, we have delved into the differences and striking similarities between the two texts, focusing on essential literary elements like character, plot, and setting to shed light on the broader context of social policies. As highlighted in our discussion, the characters of Sammy in “A&P” and the unnamed boy in “Araby” embody the shared yearning for something beyond the ordinary. Sammy’s desire for freedom from the shackles of conformity resonates with the spirit of rebellion that characterized the countercultural movement of the 1960s. Similarly, the boy’s longing for a romantic escape in “Araby” reflects the universal human desire for adventure and love, despite the stifling societal expectations of the 1950s (Gottfried 42). These characters serve as mirrors reflecting the dreams and aspirations of individuals seeking to break free from the constraints of their time.

Works Cited

Kennedy, David. Freedom from Fear: The American People in Depression and War, 1929-1945. Oxford University Press, 1999.

Porter, M. The Cambridge Introduction to Narrative. Cambridge University Press, 2004.

Gottfried, Roy. Joyce’s Comic Portrait of the Artist. The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1995.

Frequently Ask Questions ( FQA)

Q1: What is the main focus of the essay on “A&P” and “Araby”?

A1: The main focus of the essay is to highlight the differences between the texts while revealing broader or more specific similarities, with a particular emphasis on literary elements and their connection to the social policies of the 1950s and 1960s.

Q2: How do the characters in “A&P” and “Araby” relate to the social policies of their respective eras?

A2: The characters in both stories reflect the societal norms and expectations of their times. In “A&P,” Sammy’s rebellion against conformity represents the changing social policies of the 1960s, while in “Araby,” the boy’s inability to pursue his desires reflects the conservative social policies of the 1950s.

Q3: What role does literary analysis play in understanding the social context of the 1950s and 1960s in the essay?

A3: Literary analysis helps us explore how characters, plot, and setting in “A&P” and “Araby” provide insights into the social policies of the 1950s and 1960s. It allows us to see how literature mirrors and comments on the culture of its time.

Q4: How do the stories “A&P” and “Araby” depict the changing social policies of the 1950s and 1960s?

A4: “A&P” depicts the changing social policies through Sammy’s act of rebellion, which foreshadows the countercultural movements of the 1960s. In contrast, “Araby” portrays the persistence of conservative social policies, hindering the boy’s pursuit of personal desires.

Q5: What are the key societal norms and expectations of the 1950s and 1960s that are reflected in the stories?

A5: In the 1950s, societal norms included strong gender roles, conformity, and the pursuit of the “American Dream.” The 1960s saw challenges to these norms with the Civil Rights Movement and feminist wave, promoting equality and questioning traditional values.

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