View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. The narrator says that from the front doors of the A and P, he can see what kind of store?

2. What country does the narrator imagine will have taken over the United States by the time Stokesie fulfills his goal?

3. One of the young women picks up a package of what before putting it back?

4. Of whom do the girls ask a question?

5. According to the narrator, the young women are walking in what way as they move about the store?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the setting of the story "A and P"?

3. What is ironic about Sammy's reaction when he sees McMahon ogling the young women?

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

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

6. How is the animal motif included within Paragraphs 1-6?

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

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

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

10. What is Stokesie's career goal?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the story’s use of the animal motif. Why does Sammy continually use language associated with farm animals, and how does this choice dovetail with messages depicted in the story?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the instances of irony within the narrative of “A and P” and analyze Updike's purpose for including each instance you discuss.

Essay Topic 3

What is the function of Stokesie's character within the story? He is 22, while Sammy is only 19. In addition, Stokesie is married, has two children, and aspires to be one day be the manager of the grocery store at which he works. Sammy is highly critical of this goal and dubious about its possibility of fulfillment. Discuss the characterization methods used by Updike in depicting Stokesie and include in your discussion the reasons that Updike portrays Stokesie in these particular ways.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,070 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample