Significant Issues Crossed on the Path of Life

Young people often undergo dramatic changes while growing towards adulthood. They are forced to face significant life changing issues along this path. John Updike’s, “A&P,” is a perfect example of a young person facing these issues. Dealing with other’s expectations, being treated as an equal to those older, and confronting those people that cross your path are more significant than other issues faced on this journey through life.
Throughout life, and the time growing towards adulthood, young people often are forced to live up to expectations. Whether these expectations are given by parents or employers, they are standards young people feel they need to live by. “She’s one of these cash-register watchers…been watching cash-registers for fifty years and probably never seen a mistake before” (27). Sammy is trying to live up to the expectations of the customer. The lady expects him to be able to do his job without making a mistake. People often shun mistakes ...