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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. In what is Queenie's hair styled?
(a) In a loose bun.
(b) In a loose braid.
(c) In a pixie cut.
(d) In a bob.

2. The girls ask a question when they reach what area of the store?
(a) The sundries aisle.
(b) The bakery.
(c) The meat counter.
(d) The deli.

3. 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)?
(a) Cricket.
(b) Doorbell.
(c) Bee.
(d) Fluorescent light bulb.

4. The narrator's town is "five miles from" (10) what?
(a) A gas station.
(b) The ski resort.
(c) The beach.
(d) The lake.

5. The young woman on whom the narrator first focuses is wearing a green what?
(a) Visor.
(b) Towel.
(c) Bathing suit.
(d) Dress.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. Of whom do the girls ask a question?

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. How old is the narrator?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. What is Stokesie's family situation?

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

(see the answer keys)

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