Postmodernism is characterized by the fact that “nothing can save us.” There is no longer a distinction between reality and fiction, and the American Dream is lost. People are no longer connected to each other by a singular belief or faith. For the longest time, the American community was focused on picket fences and big beautiful homes symbolizing success. Now, it is every man for himself.

In John Updike’s story “A & P,” he accurately depicts the isolation that was very evident throughout the Postmodern era. His character, Sammy, does what he can as a supermarket cashier to stand up for a couple of young girls who pass through and attempt to be seen as their hero. When he quits his job in their defense, Sammy realizes that they just left and weren’t even there to see his act of defiance.