Updike describes this period of the "early Kennedy years", a time when it was acceptable to conform and compares the character of Sammy to celebrities such as James Dean and Elvis who were symbols of rebellion against conformism. Sammy quitting his job was practically him saying, "I'm not going to be one of you sheep," according to Updike in an interview. Sammy knows the consequences of quitting smoking as he calls it "the sad part of the story" (Updike 150), but he shows no regret about his decision when he says "it's not so sad [himself]” (Updike 150). His manager, Mr. Lengel, sues him to rethink his decision by bringing up his parents and stating that "[he] will feel this way for the rest of [his] life" (Updike 152), which Sammy is in for. agree with him in his mind. But even though Mr. Lengel is his superior authority, Sammy doesn't seem to respect him as his boss. He calls Mr. Lengel "dreary" and describes him as part of such conformity in the town since he "teaches Sunday school and all" (Updike 151) and seems to insult his physical appearance after years working at the supermarket saying he looked “old and gray” (Updike 152). Sammy thinks decisively and goes ahead with his decision, knowing the consequences of his parents' disappointment and not knowing what will happen next. But he goes out and sees the "sheep" from the outside, realizing the decision he made and how "the world was going to be hard for [him] afterward" (Updike