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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. The narrator does NOT state that women who come into the store usually put on before entering?

2. The other young women are described by the narrator as doing what to Queenie as they all walk toward the meat counter?

3. What does the narrator describe the young women as wearing?

4. Stokesie says to Sammy, "I feel" (7) what?

5. What kind of pattern does the floor at the A and P have?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. What simile does Sammy use to describe the layout of the grocery store?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a critical essay about “A and P” while using the critical power theory lens of Marxist theory. Use textual evidence to back up your strong, specific claim regarding the story's treatment of issues such as socioeconomic status, hierarchies, wealth, class, or any other issues related to Marxist theory that can be found in the short story.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the reasons why “A and P” uses a first-person narrator and a plot that unfolds in real time. What elements of the story's themes lend themselves to these choices and what are Updike’s intended effects on the reader?

Essay Topic 3

Explicate the theme of conformity within Updike’s story “A and P.” What is Updike’s message regarding conformity and how do you know? Be sure to consider characters that may represent conformity or its opposite.

(see the answer keys)

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