A&P and Araby

John Updike's A & P and James Joyce's Araby share many of the same literary traits. The primary focus of the two stories revolves around a young man who is compelled to decipher the different between cruel reality and the fantasies of romance that play in his head. That the man does, indeed, discover the difference is what sets him off into emotional collapse. One of the main similarities between the two stories is the fact …

…stories with regard to the manner in which each is conveyed to the reader speak of life's lessons and the sometimes painful road one is required to take in order to gain such experience. With images of chivalry and romance notwithstanding, both Updike's A & P and Joyce's Araby set forth to impart the many trials and tribulations associated with love. "Expressions of emotions and thoughts also show parallels, including the ending self-revelation and climax" (Doloff 255).