This is an interesting story by Updike in that it takes a very mundane, banal event and transforms it into a sort of heroic quest. Sammy is a bozo. That's a technical term, I know; however, I feel it is an earned title.
He objectifies women throughout the story. He doesn't even save that for the women he is attracted to in the course of the story. If a reader focuses on the language used to describe and to name women, it is clear that, while Sammy is the protagonist, he is not a "good guy".
His "heroic" act is motivated by a mixture of lust and petulance. He is no more chivalrous than the young knight in "The Wife of Bath's Tale". He just happens to wear an apron and bow tie instead of mail and a helmet.
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