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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. At which "check-out slot" (1) is the narrator working throughout the story?
(a) Number 2.
(b) Number 3.
(c) Number 1.
(d) Number 4.

2. The three young women take their purchase up to whose register?
(a) McMahon's.
(b) Lengel's.
(c) Stokesie's.
(d) The narrator's.

3. How does the narrator describe the lights inside the A and P?
(a) Fluorescent.
(b) Dim.
(c) Flickering.
(d) Loud.

4. How old is the narrator?
(a) 21.
(b) 19.
(c) 22.
(d) 17.

5. What does the young woman the narrator calls "Queenie" (5) present for purchase?
(a) A can of deviled ham.
(b) A package of cocktail napkins.
(c) A tin of Vienna sausages.
(d) A can of herring snacks.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does the narrator describe Stokesie's relationship status?

2. What is NOT a piece of evidence the narrator cites when he hypothesizes that one of the young women has just bought a new swimsuit?

3. The narrator does NOT state that women who come into the store usually put on before entering?

4. What does the narrator describe as the source of the bleached appearance of the hair of the young woman he calls "Queenie" (5)?

5. What adjective does the narrator use to describe Stokesie's "voice" as he asks Sammy, "Is it done" (9)?

Short Essay Questions

1. Cite and discuss a unique simile used by Updike within the story.

2. How is the animal motif included within Paragraphs 1-6?

3. To what does Stokesie refer when he asks Sammy, "Is it done?" (9)?

4. What does Sammy mean when he describes Stokesie "finding his voice" (9)?

5. What is the symbolism of the buildings Sammy names?

6. What is ironic about Sammy's reaction when he sees McMahon ogling the young women?

7. Describe the three young women who enter the store.

8. What is Sammy's purpose for using a historical allusion in Paragraph 1?

9. What is Stokesie's family situation?

10. What simile does Sammy use to describe the layout of the grocery store?

(see the answer keys)

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