A&P

I think the main point to the story is about 'manly decisiveness.' The story falls into that category for many reasons. Number one, the story is from the point of view of Sammy who is a male character. Number two, the decisions in the story that have the most impact are when the manager chooses to confront the girls about they way they are dressed and then at the end of the story when Sammy stands up for the girls and himself by quitting. In the text Sammy speaks out; "I don't think you know what your saying" Lengel said. "I know you don't but I do" (Updike, 223). I think that statement says a lot about the intelligence Sammy holds. It was his decisions that ended his career at the grocery store and his voice that probably left a lasting impression in the mind of the manager.
I think Sammy had several reasons in his mind for which he wanted to quit and the final act of his manager embarrassing the girls put him over the edge. When he talks about the grocery store in which he works he sounds jaded. He talks about the customers as 'sheep' and doesn't seem to have great respect for his manager. He also quits because he wants to seem superior in the eyes of the girls he finds attractive. I think he did it to make a statement; to sweep them off their feet with his heroism.
Sammy's epiphany occurs at two points in the story. The first is when he realizes he has the power to stand up to his manager. He stands up for what he believes in and decides quitting is the best way to show it. The second time is at the end of the story when the manager says, "You'll feel this for the rest of your life" (Updike, 224). He realizes that might be the truth but then remembers the intensity of the situation and is reminded that he made the right choice in his eyes.