A&P by John Updike

Well written short story that captures the advent of the rebellious sixties. Published in 1962, the short story narrates a young teenage boy observing three girls entering the grocery shop. Other than the theme of breaking social norms, I believe that the author is trying to paint the picture of early 1960s. With social constraints like the Hays Code which inhibit sexual and violent content in the movies and the notion of happy housewife, the society is under much distress and eager to find a pathway to express itself. In early 1960s, most baby boomers are around 18 years old. With new portable radio and other inventions, the young generation are given ways to go against the social norms. The short story fits perfectly in this historic context, illustrating a teenage boy who is sick of the constraint of norms and looking for ways to express himself. Although the roads ahead is rough and unpredictable, following the his parents' generation is repulsive and not an option.