Does the story plot conform to a formula ?

A great deal of criticism has been written on this story,
which is Updike's most frequently studied and anthologized short work. There is
certainly dramatic irony present in the plot: the central character, Sammy, is a sort of
antihero. His actions, when he decides to quit his job publicly as a sort of protest to
the treatment of three young female characters, can be seen as noble or heroic on
several levels. He is standing up for the young women, and thereby acting with gallantry
and chivalry. He is also acting heroically because he is acting against a perceived
injustice. As well, he is acting heroically by refusing to let himself be exploited in a
cruel, tyrannical workplace. But all of these heroic qualities are not fully realized,
since Sammy's action is also impulsive, foolhardy and probably damaging to his immediate
social and financial situation. Some critics have also noted the story's reference to
the painting "The Birth of Venus" and in this way, Sammy is also a romantic hero, one
who holds a pure and noble appreciation of female beauty.