Summer By John Updike Analysis
Ironically, both short stories are written by father and son. Both short stories take place in the summer time with both male and female characters. Through the use of symbolism, both authors are able to show the common theme of the transition from childhood to adulthood in both short stories. “A&P” written by John Updike is about a boy named Sammy who makes the leap from an adolescent, knowing little more about life than what he has learned working at the local grocery store, into a man prepared for the rough road that lies ahead. As the story begins, Sammy is nineteen and has no real grasp for the fact that he is about to be living on his own working to support himself. Throughout the course of the story, he changes with a definite step
…show more content…
and Mrs. Thyme, his childhood friend Fred, and Fred's sister Sandra. While Fred and Homer enjoy the last of summer, the last of their youth, Homer battles his unrequited affection for Sandra. By the end of the month there is a noticeable change in the characters of Homer and Sandra. They have transitioned from childhood to adulthood, as reflected in the maturity of their actions and the depth of their emotions. As Homer, Sandra, and Fred prepare to transition into adulthood their summer comes to an end. As the autumn chill creeps into the air, the reader can notice the changes that have overcome these characters within the span of the month. Autumn symbolizes the emergence of adulthood. Homer and Fred aren't spending their last night of summer racing around in the car or drinking by the lake. Instead, they are spending a quiet evening in the cabin. These actions are reflections of the passage from childhood into adulthood, from the summers of their lives to the autumns and whatever lies beyond. They have, in a way, settled into the rhythm of their lives, with no more wild adventures or out of control emotions. They are cool, calm, and collected. They are ready for the world of adulthood that awaits them outside of this peaceful realm they call the lake
and Mrs. Thyme, his childhood friend Fred, and Fred's sister Sandra. While Fred and Homer enjoy the last of summer, the last of their youth, Homer battles his unrequited affection for Sandra. By the end of the month there is a noticeable change in the characters of Homer and Sandra. They have transitioned from childhood to adulthood, as reflected in the maturity of their actions and the depth of their emotions. As Homer, Sandra, and Fred prepare to transition into adulthood their summer comes to an end. As the autumn chill creeps into the air, the reader can notice the changes that have overcome these characters within the span of the month. Autumn symbolizes the emergence of adulthood. Homer and Fred aren't spending their last night of summer racing around in the car or drinking by the lake. Instead, they are spending a quiet evening in the cabin. These actions are reflections of the passage from childhood into adulthood, from the summers of their lives to the autumns and whatever lies beyond. They have, in a way, settled into the rhythm of their lives, with no more wild adventures or out of control emotions. They are cool, calm, and collected. They are ready for the world of adulthood that awaits them outside of this peaceful realm they call the lake