Comparison of “AP” by John Updike and “Barn Burning” by...

William Faulkner and John Updike short stories share the same theme loyalty. The use of different literary elements to explore this similarity is what differs within the two stories. The authors take different approaches such as characters, settings, and point of views to communicate the theme to the reader. Throughout both short stories, the reader can receive a precise overview of loyalty. Even though the differences of literary elements are announced, one can still analyze the deeper meaning overall. In â€Å"AP† there is a young nineteen year old boy name Sammy. He is currently working and to the readers perspective is for his family. Mr. Lengal says, Sammy, you dont want to do this to your Mom and Dad† (Updike, â€Å"AP†). The main character Sammy has dreams beyond being the manager at AP grocery store. Within the story, he also hopes to win the three girls attention. In the short story â€Å"Barn Burning†, Sartoris is the main character that is going through poverty because of his father’s actions. He soon comes to realization that his father has to stop what he is doing because it is wrong and is hurting the family in the end. â€Å"What†¦What are you†¦Ã¢â‚¬  cried Sarty (Updike, â€Å"AP†). The quote shows that Sarty had begun questioning his father and then realized he was planning on burning another barn. â€Å"AP† takes place in a grocery store. The grocery store, AP, is five miles from a beach which explains why the three girls walked into the store with bathing suits on. â€Å"Barn Burning†