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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. Sammy says that once a person uses the cash register enough, "it begins to make a little" (21) what?

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

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

4. What is NOT a register button Sammy hits while ringing up the young woman's purchase?

5. What adjective does Sammy use to describe the hand shape of the young woman to whom he gives change?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. In what way does Sammy react to Lengel's mention of policy?

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

4. Discuss the socioeconomic status from which Sammy's family stems.

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

6. Why does Sammy use haste when saying "I quit" (22) the first time?

7. What clues does Sammy utilize in order to detect the class of the young woman he dubs "Queenie" (5)?

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

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

10. What is the policy cited by Lengel when he tells the young women they are in violation?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Could “A and P” be classified as a coming-of-age story? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the interplay between the resolution of Updike’s story “A and P” and one of the story's main messages. How does Updike make connections between these elements and how does their juxtaposition help Updike get across one main message of the story?

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