Mature In Yann Martel's A & P
A mature decision with an immature motive will consequently result in a negative outcome. “A&P” is a short story about a boy named Sammy who changes from being an immature person, to progressively becoming mature, and returns to being immature. In the beginning of the story, when 3 girls dressed in bathing suits walks into the A&P Grocery Store, Sammy’s immatureness is clearly visible. “There was the chunky one..., there was one of those chubby berry-faces...” Without even getting to know them he judges them by what they are wearing and their body sizes which illustrate his immaturity. Furthermore into the story, Lengel who is Sammy’s manager confronts the 3 girls about their attire. Lengel boldly voices out that they should be “...decently
dressed when [they] come in [the grocery store].” As a result of this statement, the girls are greatly embarrassed. They checked out their item and tried to leave quickly, but before they were able to leave, Sammy mentions that “[he] quit” the job and that “[Lengel] didn’t have to embarrass them.” This is a sign of his maturity developing because he is standing up for the girls who were embarrassed for not dressing properly. However, at the end of the story, it is evident that Sammy’s decision to quit his job was for the wrong purpose. He quit to hopefully achieve the 3 girls attention as their “... unsuspecting hero.” He regrets this life decision mentioning that he “...felt how hard the world was going to be to [him] hereafter.” This is clear evidence of his immaturity as his motive for quitting the job was to impress the girls. The moral of this story is focused on making a decision with the right purpose. A decision with a wrong motive can effect one’s life very negatively.
dressed when [they] come in [the grocery store].” As a result of this statement, the girls are greatly embarrassed. They checked out their item and tried to leave quickly, but before they were able to leave, Sammy mentions that “[he] quit” the job and that “[Lengel] didn’t have to embarrass them.” This is a sign of his maturity developing because he is standing up for the girls who were embarrassed for not dressing properly. However, at the end of the story, it is evident that Sammy’s decision to quit his job was for the wrong purpose. He quit to hopefully achieve the 3 girls attention as their “... unsuspecting hero.” He regrets this life decision mentioning that he “...felt how hard the world was going to be to [him] hereafter.” This is clear evidence of his immaturity as his motive for quitting the job was to impress the girls. The moral of this story is focused on making a decision with the right purpose. A decision with a wrong motive can effect one’s life very negatively.