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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. When the narrator imagines the home of the young woman he calls "Queenie" (5), what are the women at the party wearing?
(a) Miniskirts.
(b) Sandals.
(c) Hot pants.
(d) Gowns.

2. The narrator states that what "the others want is" (19) what?
(a) A grant.
(b) Juvenile delinquency.
(c) Full jails.
(d) Freedom.

3. What does Sammy do with the object purchased by the young woman he privately calls "Queenie" (5)?
(a) He tosses it into a bag.
(b) He places it in her hand.
(c) He nestles it into a bag.
(d) He slides it across the counter.

4. How many different register buttons does Sammy press before the register drawer is ejected so that he can provide change to the young woman?
(a) 4.
(b) 6.
(c) 2.
(d) 3.

5. What is the fourth word of the song Sammy has come to hear when he works the register?
(a) Fun.
(b) Happy.
(c) Goodbye.
(d) People.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does the person who notices the narrator's reaction to Lengel's repeated word feel about the narrator's reaction?

2. Lengel performs what function within his church?

3. Which person at the scene does Sammy describe as being the most nervous person there?

4. What action does the narrator take when Lengel repeats a particular word to the young women?

5. The narrator states that "Policy is what" (19) who wants?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Updike's use of foreshadowing within the story "A and P".

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

3. In what way does Updike use the animal motif within the customers' reaction to the scene involving Lengel and the young women?

4. How is repetition utilized within Paragraph 21?

5. What unique form of imagery does Updike create to depict Queenie's anger at Lengel's words?

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

7. Discuss a possible reason for Lengel's request for Sammy to repeat his words "I quit" (22).

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

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

10. How is the theme of family bonds depicted within Sammy's reply to Lengel's claim about the harm inflicted by the young women?

(see the answer keys)

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