Araby and A&P

In both Updike’s “A&P” and Joyce’s “Araby,” the themes that exist are dependent on the use of words and the interpretation of the symbolism. In “A&P,” the bathing suit clad girls that Sammy envisions as living glamorous lives represents Sammy’s longing for a more adventurous life, outside of his small beachside town. In “Araby,” the boy’s desire and eventual heartbreak at the unknowing hands of Mangan’s sister is shown through the use of symbolism. Both stories thrive on the diction and interpretation of the symbolism present throughout.
“A&P” starts off with three girls walking into a grocery store in nothing but their bathing suits. Soon after their entrance, they catch the eye of Sammy, a store clerk in the third check-out slot. Sammy follows the girls around the store with his eyes, describing them very thoroughly, even describing one the girl’s “sweet broad soft-looking can, with those two crescents of white just under it.” After fol...