In John Updike's "A&P" many social issues are addressed, first and foremost the matter of what is to be considered "inappropriate", secondly what should and shouldn't be publicly reprimanded, and lastly the repercussions of protesting the "social norm". Sammy's quietly admired the three girls that walked into the local A&P where he worked as a cashier, of course led to creating and drawing his own conclusions judging only the way they looked, and that they had the audacity to show up at a local supermarket in their bathing-suits. However, the true quarrel arose when his boss publicly reprimanded and embarrassed the girls for dressing the way they did and that their store does not allow people to come dressed like that. This let to Sammy's total disapproval and in order to protest the acts of his superior, Sammy quits right on the spot, however carrying with him the notion that he/ his actions will forever be "frowned upon" in society.
