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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. Which person at the scene does Sammy describe as being the most nervous person there?
(a) McMahon.
(b) Stokesie.
(c) The cash-register-watcher.
(d) Lengel.

2. The narrator describes the young woman he calls "Queenie" (5) as doing what to two different words?
(a) Lisping them out.
(b) Spitting them out.
(c) Tripping over them.
(d) Ticking over them.

3. What are the two terms spoken by the young woman referred to as "Queenie" (5) that the narrator linguistically analyzes?
(a) Take them and go.
(b) Hurry and no.
(c) Mother and time.
(d) Pick up and snacks.

4. What term does the narrator use to describe the intensity of the eye color of the young woman he calls "Queenie" (5)?
(a) Completely.
(b) Extremely.
(c) Very.
(d) Majorly.

5. What adjective does Sammy use to describe the hand shape of the young woman to whom he gives change?
(a) Flat.
(b) Slim.
(c) Curved.
(d) Narrow.

Short Answer Questions

1. When the narrator imagines the home of the young woman he calls "Queenie" (5), what are the men at the party wearing?

2. What verb does Sammy use when describing his removal of his apron?

3. What is the first word of the song Sammy has come to hear when he works the register?

4. Who asks Sammy if he has rung up the purchase of the three young women?

5. Lengel is said to give the young women in the store what kind of look?

Short Essay Questions

1. In what way do the themes of guilt and responsibility enter the narrative?

2. Of what crime does Sammy accuse Lengel when he quits?

3. In what way do food similes enter the story and for what purpose does Updike use them?

4. How does Updike show the childlike and whimsical nature of Sammy's personality in the story?

5. What is Lengel's reply to Sammy's accusation?

6. What is ironic about Sammy's claim that Lengel is the most nervous person involved?

7. Describe an example of Updike's use of metaphor within the story.

8. How does Updike demonstrate Sammy's lack of experience with girls and women?

9. How is repetition utilized within Paragraph 21?

10. What type of home life does Sammy imagine for the young woman he dubs "Queenie" (5)?

(see the answer keys)

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