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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 pet store.
(c) A tobacco store.
(d) A newspaper store.

2. How old is Stokesie?
(a) 30.
(b) 22.
(c) 26.
(d) 19.

3. What metaphorical body part or parts does the narrator mention in reference to the "cash-register-watcher" (1)?
(a) Jaws.
(b) Claws.
(c) Feathers.
(d) Tail.

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

5. What adjective does the narrator use to describe Stokesie's "voice" as he asks Sammy, "Is it done" (9)?
(a) Anxious.
(b) Responsible.
(c) Hesitant.
(d) Reluctant.

Short Answer Questions

1. The narrator's town is north of what American city?

2. Of whom do the girls ask a question?

3. In what month is the narrator's birthday?

4. How old is the narrator?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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