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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. In what way does Sammy describe the change he provides to the young woman he calls "Queenie" (5)?

3. Lengel tells the girls that he does not want to take what action?

4. The narrator states that only when his parents have people over for a very what kind of "affair" (14) do they serve alcoholic beverages?

5. To what flavor of ice cream does Sammy refer when describing the breasts of the young woman he privately calls "Queenie" (5)?

Short Essay Questions

1. Which comment of Lengel's causes the young woman dubbed "Queenie" (5) to get angry rather than embarrassed?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How is the topic of masculinity treated within Updike’s story and how does its treatment relate to the story's depicted messages?

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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