Both the protagonists in the short stories “A & P” and “Shiloh” undergo significant transformations. These characters, known as round or dynamic characters, go through changes that involve learning, enlightenment, growth, or decline. In simpler terms, they have a change of heart or experience noteworthy shifts in their lifestyles throughout the narrative.
The main focus of this essay will be Sammy, the narrator of A&P, and Leroy (Shiloh), the dynamic characters in these short stories. Reading stories with characters that undergo significant changes is truly fascinating. It keeps us engaged, prompting us to question their thoughts and motivations. In John Updike’s A&P, Sammy, the protagonist, decides to quit his job at the grocery store in an attempt to impress a group of girls who walked in wearing only their swim suits.
Sammy’s motivations for perform this action are debatable. Some may argue that he did it to attract the attention of the girls, while others believe that he finally realized it was a way to escape his mundane job. It is possible that Sammy was seeking personal gain and satisfaction, although his lack of direction makes this unlikely. By aligning himself with the upper-class girls, Sammy feels as though he is elevating his social status to meet their standards and the expectations associated with their class. Considering that Sammy likely came from a less privileged background and worked to support his family, one might wonder why he made this choice.
What is his reasoning? As Sammy goes on about this group of girls, he includes comments on how he can tell by their appearance that they are part of the upper class and how he wishes to live the life they do. Sammy’s reasoning for quitting, unlike what most believe, is solely based on getting Queenie, the girl of his dreams, but I think it’s to move towards her way of life. For him to accomplish a move up in classes, this impulsive decision may force him to take steps in that direction.
In Bobbie Ann Mason’s Shiloh, two intriguing characters emerge: Leroy and Norma Jean. While both characters demonstrate some indications of change, Leroy can be considered the more dynamic character. Leroy spent his entire life driving a truck and traveling extensively. What fascinated observers was the fact that Leroy admitted to disregarding the scenery he passed by. One may speculate whether this indifference stemmed from drug use, or simply from dissatisfaction with his life.
Following a highway accident, Leroy’s work capacity was affected. This sudden change in his life, going from constant travel to being jobless and confined at home, has had significant financial and emotional consequences for him. Currently idle and introspective, he ponders aspects of life that were never before on his radar. The realization dawns upon him regarding the multitude of missed experiences, the growing distance between himself and his wife, and the striking transformations within his community.
Is Norma Jean’s change of heart and dissatisfaction with her husband and life the cause of these events, or is it simply that his constant presence at home has become detrimental to their relationship? It seems that Norma Jean, who has always been reliant on her husband, now shows no interest in him and is slowly creating distance between them. She has abandoned her love for music, started experimenting with unconventional cooking, and even taken up bodybuilding while attending courses at a community college nearby. I am convinced that all these alterations in Norma Jean’s demeanor are an obvious sign of what lies ahead.
These two short-stories exemplify dynamic characters, as they clearly depict the transformation of the main characters’ lives, thoughts, and actions. Leroy and Sammie both demonstrate a desire for a better and more fulfilling life, although they are uncertain about how to achieve it. Such stories inspire individuals to aspire for more and strive to make something of themselves. Life’s uncertainties emphasize the importance of appreciating what we have, as tomorrow holds unpredictable possibilities for everyone.
