The main conflict in John Updike’s short story ‘A & P’ revolves around the protagonist, Sammy, and his moral dilemma after witnessing a confrontation between his manager, Lengel, and three young girls who enter the grocery store in bathing suits. Sammy is attracted to the girls and is struck by their carefree attitude, which contrasts sharply with the conformist environment of the supermarket.
This conflict is both internal and external. Internally, Sammy grapples with his feelings of desire and admiration for the girls against the expectations of society. He feels a sense of loyalty to what he perceives as their boldness and independence, but he also recognizes the power dynamics at play between the girls and the store’s authority. Externally, the conflict is brought to a head when Lengel reprimands the girls for their inappropriate attire, which triggers Sammy’s rebellion against the societal norms that Lengel represents.
Ultimately, Sammy makes a significant decision to quit his job in solidarity with the girls, which he hopes will affirm his personal values and express his disdain for the conformist attitudes represented by Lengel and the store. This act of defiance unfolds into a broader commentary on individuality versus societal expectations, making it a pivotal moment of conflict in the story.