Your task is to write a characterization essay to answer the question: Is Sammy a hero? You can answer yes or no, depending on your analysis results. Sammy is the narrator in the story of “A & P” by John Updike. The first step to approach this assignment is to conduct a detailed analysis of this character by paying attention to those six areas: look (physical), speech (verbal), action (behavioral), thought (psychological), interaction (relational), and feeling (emotional). The second step is to categorize all the details in those areas into some groups by using either negative or positive traits like honesty, generosity, bravery, understanding, or whatever qualities he possesses. The next step is to select three traits using adjectives, nouns or descriptive phrases which you can best apply to the narrator – these are traits that the narrator possesses. You will organize the body of your essay around these three traits. Alternatively, you may also focus on one important aspect of this narrator, for instance, the psychological aspect, to interpret the personal qualities through inner activities and changes that correspond to some outside forces.
Good Thesis Example: The main character Tom Sawyer in the novel of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain presents himself as inquisitive, compassionate, and adventurous (three traits). This thesis is good because it outlines the topic sentences for the three body paragraphs already. What is needed then is the supporting detail to back up each of those three traits in each of the body paragraphs. For this assignment, you need to discuss three positive traits of Sammy if you answer yes or three negative traits if you answer no.
Bad Thesis: “In this essay, I am going to discuss the character ….” Or “This essay will analyze the character….”
Full Answer Section
Interactions
Sammy's interactions with others are often awkward and uncomfortable. He is not very good at connecting with people on a personal level. He also tends to be condescending and patronizing.
Feelings
Sammy is a complex and emotional character. He is often angry and frustrated with the world around him. He is also insecure and unsure of himself.
Three Negative Traits
- Immature: Sammy's behavior is often immature and childish. He quits his job on impulse without thinking about the consequences. He also follows the girls out of the store without considering the fact that he is putting his job at risk.
- Self-absorbed: Sammy is very self-absorbed and concerned with his own appearance and popularity. He is quick to judge others and is often critical of them.
- Reckless: Sammy's actions are often impulsive and reckless. He does not think about the consequences of his actions before he acts.
Conclusion
Sammy is not a hero. He is an immature, self-absorbed, and reckless young man. His actions are motivated by his own selfish desires, not by a desire to help others.
Alternatively
Thesis: Sammy, the narrator of John Updike's short story "A & P," is a complex and flawed character, but he is also a hero. He shows courage and compassion in standing up for what he believes in, even though it costs him his job.
Positive Traits
- Courageous: Sammy shows courage in quitting his job after seeing the three girls in bathing suits walk into the store. He knows that he is putting his job at risk, but he does it anyway because he believes it is the right thing to do.
- Compassionate: Sammy feels compassion for the three girls and wants to help them. He sees them as symbols of freedom and rebellion, and he admires their courage for challenging the status quo.
- Principled: Sammy is a principled person who stands up for what he believes in, even when it is difficult. He quits his job because he believes that the store's policy on bathing suits is sexist and discriminatory.
Conclusion
Sammy is not a perfect hero, but he is a hero nonetheless. He shows courage, compassion, and principle in standing up for what he believes in. Even though he loses his job as a result of his actions, he inspires others to challenge the status quo and stand up for what is right.
Sample Answer
Is Sammy a Hero?
Thesis: Sammy, the narrator of John Updike's short story "A & P," is not a hero. He is immature, self-absorbed, and reckless.
Physical Appearance
Sammy is a tall, handsome young man with a muscular physique. He is aware of his good looks and takes pride in his appearance.
Speech
Sammy is a sarcastic and witty speaker. He is quick to judge others and is often critical of them. He also has a tendency to exaggerate and embellish his stories.
Actions
Sammy's actions are impulsive and reckless. He quits his job on impulse after seeing three girls in bathing suits walk into the A & P grocery store. He also follows the girls out of the store and watches them leave, even though he knows he is putting his job at risk.
Thoughts
Sammy's thoughts are often self-absorbed and judgmental. He is constantly comparing himself to others and is quick to put them down. He also has a romanticized view of the girls and sees them as symbols of freedom and rebellion.