The purpose of this essay is to analyze the stories we have read in the last couple of weeks; “The Return,” “A&P,” and “The Blue Chevrolet.” The theme of coming of age in short stories will be the main focus of this essay. This term refers to a young person who must go through difficult and life-changing experiences to reach a greater level of maturity. One of the male literary characters from each story will be highlighted to explain how they come of age during the story and how this may reflect on the issue of growing up. Another intent of this essay is to talk about the importance of women in every story and how the role they played influenced the plot of the story. The significance of the children's age and the time period in which each story was set will also be the subject of the essay. This is done with the hope of further exposing the details of each of the stories. Examples and evidence from the stories will be used to support the findings/main points stated in this essay. This will allow you to better understand the text you are analyzing. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay At the beginning of "A&P," the narrator Sammy is an ordinary nineteen-year-old living in an intermediate space between adulthood and adolescence. Sammy's transition into adulthood is seen in his questioning of conformity. From the beginning of the story Sammy makes it clear to readers that he is different from the other grocery store employees. He describes Stokesie, a colleague who is only three years old and already married with two children. He goes on to add that Stokesie hopes to become a manager one day. Then we hear about Lengel, who he describes as hiding in the office all day. Neither man seems happy to Sammy. However, it is by observing the girls' reactions that he really begins to change. For Sammy the girls are an example of non-conformism. From the moment they enter the store, they work against the norms of that society. Their insistence that they be honest becomes a message to Sammy. While Lengel argues that they're not decent, that swimsuits aren't appropriate grocery store attire, Sammy begins to realize that being different, even rebellious, is actually okay. Class is a big deal in "A&P." Sammy divides the various people he comes into contact with into stereotyped groups. From the beginning of the story he talks about the "sheep" or followers of his city. For him everyone dresses, acts, speaks and thinks the same way. When he sees the girls, especially Queenie, he sees that there are people who are able to step outside of what is expected. By quitting his job, Sammy shows that he is gaining the power to do the same. His innocence and immaturity got the better of him. When Sammy leaves the supermarket he immediately realizes what just happened. Sammy realizes that he has to grow up now. And that being an adult is hard work. He no longer works for a family friend. Who is no longer a child: "My white shirt that my mother ironed the night before." Ultimately, the class difference between Sammy and the girls causes his rebellion to have far more serious consequences than theirs. At the end of the story, Sammy feels "how hard the world will be" because not becoming a "sheep" will not be as easy as leaving. In "The Blue Chevrolet" the main character Chevy loses his innocence. during an altercation with Tommy, the owner of a Chevrolet who denies him a ride due to his racial background. The events following this situation show how.