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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. The narrator says that from the front doors of the A and P, he can see what kind of store?
(a) A liquor store.
(b) A tobacco store.
(c) A pet store.
(d) A newspaper store.

2. For how many years does the narrator say the woman he calls the "cash-register-watcher" (1) has been waiting for a cashier to make a mistake?
(a) 30.
(b) 20.
(c) 40.
(d) 10.

3. One of the young women picks up a package of what before putting it back?
(a) Cookies.
(b) Tampons.
(c) Tea.
(d) Clam dip.

4. The narrator describes the A and P's stock of records as "a waste of" (12) what?
(a) Vinyl.
(b) Oil.
(c) Wax.
(d) Space.

5. In what month is the narrator's birthday?
(a) September.
(b) April.
(c) December.
(d) June.

Short Answer Questions

1. In what part of town is the A and P located?

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

3. 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?

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

5. What street does the narrator name when depicting the "free-loaders" (10) in his town?

Short Essay Questions

1. Provide evidence for the conclusion that there are many people in Sammy's town who are set in their ways.

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

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

4. In what way is the power of paradox shown within the story?

5. Besides dressing differently than everyone else in the store, how else do the young women stand out?

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

7. What is Stokesie's family situation?

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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