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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. Stokesie says to Sammy, "I feel" (7) what?

2. The narrator uses what word to describe the reactions of the other customers as they catch sight of the young women in the store?

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

4. When the narrator rings up a customer's item twice, she "starts giving" (2) him what?

5. One of the young women picks up a package of what before putting it back?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. What is Stokesie's family situation?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Could “A and P” be classified as a coming-of-age story? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Explicate the theme of conformity within Updike’s story “A and P.” What is Updike’s message regarding conformity and how do you know? Be sure to consider characters that may represent conformity or its opposite.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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