Identify and discuss how the use of imagery and symbolism are similar or different in James Joyce's "Araby" and John Updike's "A&P."

Theand symbolism used in
both of these stories are used to convey the central character in each story, and to develop the
themes that the stories raise. For example, in "A&P," the way Sammy refers to the
customers who come to the supermarket where he works expresses his sense of humour but also his
distaste for those who go along in life and just go with the flow. For example, note the way
that he talks about the "cash-register-watchers" who deliberately want to trip up the
cashier attendants. Consider the way he refers to the customers as "sheep." These
examples of imagery are very significant, particularly the last , as it demonstrates the theme
of whether it is right to go along with the crowd unquestioningly, or to stand up and challenge
the status quo when it is appropriate. The use of the metaphor "sheep" by Sammy
strongly foreshadows the stand that he takes at the end of the story; after all, he can hardly
mock customers for being sheep-like if he then is a sheep himself when challenged by his
boss.

In the same way, the imagery inis used to develop the theme of
appearance vs. reality, and how the narrator is unable to differentiate between the two. Note
for example how Mangan's sister is described in the following quote:

She was waiting for us, her figure defined by the light from the
half-opened door. 

Firstly, Mangan's sister is always
associated with light, which makes her seem angelic. Secondly, the way she is described would
make her appearance very difficult to work out. The narrator seems to base his teenage hopes and
love on an insubstantial figure, which of course pre-empts his epiphany at the end of the story
where he realises the reality of his romantic hopes and dreams. The imagery in both stories then
help develop the respective themes and characters.