Podcast
Questions and Answers
Who is Sammy?
Who is Sammy?
Sammy is a 19 year-old boy who is the narrator of this short story. He works as a check-out clerk at a grocery store called the A&P which is located somewhere in a New England town.
Who is Queenie?
Who is Queenie?
Queenie is a teenage girl who enters the A&P in her bathing suit with her 2 other friends. She is the attractive leader of the group and captures Sammy's attention immediately.
Who is Stokesie?
Who is Stokesie?
Stokesie is Sammy's co-worker and a check-out clerk at the A&P. He is married and makes jokes about the girls with Sammy.
Who is Lengel?
Who is Lengel?
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What are the girls wearing when they enter the A&P?
What are the girls wearing when they enter the A&P?
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In what part of the country does the story take place?
In what part of the country does the story take place?
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Why does Sammy feel that Stokesie's reaction to the girls is fundamentally different?
Why does Sammy feel that Stokesie's reaction to the girls is fundamentally different?
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How does Sammy describe the drinks that he imagines Queenie's parents serve at parties?
How does Sammy describe the drinks that he imagines Queenie's parents serve at parties?
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What does Sammy do at the end of the story?
What does Sammy do at the end of the story?
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What is Lengel's job at the A&P?
What is Lengel's job at the A&P?
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What other job does Lengel do?
What other job does Lengel do?
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What is Stokesie's job at the A&P?
What is Stokesie's job at the A&P?
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What does Sammy nickname Queenie's first friend?
What does Sammy nickname Queenie's first friend?
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What does Sammy nickname Queenie's second friend?
What does Sammy nickname Queenie's second friend?
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What aspect of Queenie's clothing does Sammy focus on to construct an image of her inner life?
What aspect of Queenie's clothing does Sammy focus on to construct an image of her inner life?
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What does Sammy call the A&P customers?
What does Sammy call the A&P customers?
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What causes Queenie's self-confidence to weaken slightly?
What causes Queenie's self-confidence to weaken slightly?
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Who is inspired by Queenie's brazenness and vulnerability?
Who is inspired by Queenie's brazenness and vulnerability?
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Why did Lengel, the store manager, confront the 3 girls?
Why did Lengel, the store manager, confront the 3 girls?
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Why did Sammy quit his job at the end of the story?
Why did Sammy quit his job at the end of the story?
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Why does Sammy call his customers at the A&P sheep?
Why does Sammy call his customers at the A&P sheep?
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When a customer reprimands Sammy for a mistake, he thinks of her as a what?
When a customer reprimands Sammy for a mistake, he thinks of her as a what?
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The story ends with Sammy needing to turn his inquisitive eye on?
The story ends with Sammy needing to turn his inquisitive eye on?
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Though the girls' swimsuits are initially a symbol of sexuality, they become a symbol of ___________ as the story unfolds.
Though the girls' swimsuits are initially a symbol of sexuality, they become a symbol of ___________ as the story unfolds.
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What do the girls hand to Sammy to ring up at the check-out line?
What do the girls hand to Sammy to ring up at the check-out line?
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What is Queenie's response to Lengel's confrontation?
What is Queenie's response to Lengel's confrontation?
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What kind of behavior does the girls' experience catalyze in the men?
What kind of behavior does the girls' experience catalyze in the men?
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Who is McMahon?
Who is McMahon?
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Why is it odd that the 3 girls are wearing bathing suits in the A&P in the story?
Why is it odd that the 3 girls are wearing bathing suits in the A&P in the story?
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Study Notes
Characters
- Sammy: 19-year-old narrator and check-out clerk at A&P, located in a New England town.
- Queenie: Attractive teenage girl leading her friends into A&P wearing bathing suits; captures Sammy's attention instantly.
- Stokesie: Sammy's married co-worker; jokes about the girls’ presence in the store.
- Lengel: Manager of A&P and Sammy's boss; also a friend of Sammy's parents; confronts the girls about their attire.
Setting
- Location: A&P grocery store in a New England town, north of Boston.
- Symbolism of Clothing: Girls' swimsuits evolve from symbols of sexuality to symbols of freedom throughout the story.
Themes and Motifs
- Independence: Sammy's decision to quit reflects his desire for freedom from societal expectations and parental influence.
- Social Conformity: Sammy labels A&P customers as "sheep," expressing his disdain for conformity and routine.
- Gender Dynamics: The girls' attire creates piggish behavior in the men, highlighting the impact of sexuality on social interactions.
Key Plot Points
- Confrontation: Lengel reprimands Queenie and her friends for wearing bathing suits, which showcases a clash between personal expression and social norms.
- Sammy's Reaction: Sammy is inspired by Queenie's boldness, which ultimately leads him to resign in a bid for personal integrity.
- Sammy's Quitting: He quits his job after feeling that Lengel embarrassed the girls, seeking to assert his independence despite the potential disappointment of his parents.
Miscellaneous
- Queenie's Friends: Sammy nicknames Queenie's friends "Plaid" and "Big Tall Goony Goony" based on their appearances.
- Self-Reflection: The story concludes with Sammy realizing he must turn his attention inward, signifying a personal growth journey.
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Description
Test your understanding of John Updike's short story 'A&P'. This quiz explores the characters, setting, themes, and symbols present in the narrative, highlighting Sammy's journey and social commentary. Dive deep into the text's exploration of independence and conformity.
