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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. How many young women walk into the grocery store at the start of the story?
(a) 3.
(b) 2.
(c) 4.
(d) 5.

2. What does the narrator describe the young women as wearing?
(a) Towels.
(b) Tank tops.
(c) Bathing suits.
(d) Flip-flops.

3. The narrator tells the reader, "Here comes the" what "part of the story" (12)?
(a) Exciting.
(b) Best.
(c) Sad.
(d) Dumb.

4. According to the narrator, the young women are walking in what way as they move about the store?
(a) In a zig-zag pattern.
(b) Counter-clockwise.
(c) Clockwise.
(d) Against the usual traffic.

5. The other young women are described by the narrator as doing what to Queenie as they all walk toward the meat counter?
(a) Huddling against her.
(b) Pretending not to know her.
(c) Clinging to her.
(d) Distancing themselves from her.

Short Answer Questions

1. The three young women take their purchase up to whose register?

2. The narrator says that from the front doors of the A and P, he can see how many banks?

3. The narrator says that from the front doors of the A and P, he can see about how many "old free-loaders tearing up the street" (10) at any given time?

4. The narrator says that from the front doors of the A and P, he can see what kind of church?

5. The narrator asks the reader in reference to females, "Do you really think there's a mind in there or just a buzz like a" what "in a glass jar" (2)?

Short Essay Questions

1. In what way is Sammy demonstrating true empathy toward the young women with his comment beginning with "Poor kids" (11)?

2. Discuss the way in which Sammy objectifies the three young women.

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

4. What are Sammy's feelings about Stokesie's career goal?

5. What is the setting of the story "A and P"?

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

7. Discuss how Updike uses language to indicate the character traits of Sammy.

8. How is the motif of sexuality included within the story?

9. Provide evidence for the conclusion that Sammy uses diminutive terms indiscriminate of his target's gender.

10. On what evidence does Sammy base his conclusion that one particular young woman is the leader?

(see the answer keys)

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