Individualism is certainly the main theme of this short story. Quitting his job is considered a childish act of Sammy, the protagonist of A&P. It is inspired by his connection with the girls but as he faces the consequence of his action, he realizes that he is no longer young. When Sammy quits his job, he asserts his individualism. The other characters all follow someone or some code of conduct. Lengel enforces the policies of the store and insists on the general social norms without being able to explain why they exist. Sammy, in contrast, confronts the authority person, Lengel who also represents all the conservative morals and social codes of conduct .