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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 describes the customers' actions in the check-out "chute" (30) using what verb?

2. What adjective does the narrator use to describe Lengel when he states that Lengel is a church-involved man?

3. What does the sign on Lengel's office door read?

4. What verb does Sammy use to describe his action of giving change?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. For what reason and in what manner does Lengel confront the three young women in the store?

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

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

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

5. How does the young woman dubbed "Queenie" (5) by Sammy react to Lengel's actions?

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

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

8. What details does Sammy provide about his boss Lengel?

9. How is repetition utilized within Paragraph 21?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

William Faulkner once famously claimed that the most important literature deals with the subject of the human heart in conflict with itself. Explain how the theme of Human versus Self is demonstrated within Updike’s story “A and P.” Create a decisive, arguable claim and prove it with quotes from the story.

Essay Topic 2

Analyze Sammy’s fascination with the bodies of the three young women who enter the store in their bathing suits. Conduct an online inquiry that will allow you to understand the context of Updike’s possible messages more fully. Consider the fact that the story was first in 1961 as you conduct your research. Then combine your research with your analysis of the story and answer the prompt.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze Updike’s focus on the theme of class differences within the story. What message is Updike sending about class, privilege, and wealth?

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This section contains 947 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample