The Grocery Store Updike Analysis

This story stands out as true to life because of the extreme detail Updike uses to set the scene of the grocery store, as well as the way he develops his characters. He watches the girls make their way through the grocery store, never failing to describe where they are whether it be by the bread or by the peaches. He even goes so far as to describe the stores location in relation to the beach to explain how odd it is that the three girls came into the store in nothing but their bathing suits. He paints a picture what each girl looks like, and develops characters that work within the store from the true to life no funny business manager to the married coworker that cannot stop checking out the girls. Updike's attention to detail makes the
story more realistic because it puts the reader into the story, and makes it feel like an actual event in an average grocery store.
As far as Sammy's actions are concerned, I do not think he is a hero for quitting his job. The girls should have known better than to walk into a store wearing only a bathing suit, and getting embarrassed was a consequence of that. However, if we do consider him a hero, I do not think his heroism is compromised for wanting it to be noticed. Regardless of who sees or does not see a good deed or someone standing up for what they believe in, the act is still courageous and important. After all, who would not want to be commended for doing something good, especially when it involves a sacrifice like Sammy quitting his job? The important part is that Sammy did not take back his resignation even after the girls left the store, which proved he was staying true to what he believed in even though he would not be recognized for it.