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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. 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)?

2. The narrator is working with his back to what object throughout the story?

3. The narrator says that Stokesie has aspirations to become what one day?

4. How old is the narrator?

5. The young woman on whom the narrator first focuses is wearing a green what?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What sorts of details does Updike use to portray the appearance of the store and why?

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

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

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

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

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

8. Who is the protagonist of the story "A and P"?

9. What is Stokesie's family situation?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the function of Stokesie's character within the story? He is 22, while Sammy is only 19. In addition, Stokesie is married, has two children, and aspires to be one day be the manager of the grocery store at which he works. Sammy is highly critical of this goal and dubious about its possibility of fulfillment. Discuss the characterization methods used by Updike in depicting Stokesie and include in your discussion the reasons that Updike portrays Stokesie in these particular ways.

Essay Topic 2

Write a critical essay about “A and P” while using the critical power theory lens of feminist theory. Use textual evidence to back up your strong, specific claim regarding the story's treatment of gender roles, the objectification of women, female empowerment, misogyny's role within society, or any other issues related to feminist theory that can be found in the novel.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze Updike’s story from an Existential perspective. What elements of life does it suggest hold the most meaning and why?

(see the answer keys)

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