Questions and Answers
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?
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?
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?
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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?
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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?
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What does Sammy do at the end of the story?
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What is Lengel's job at the A&P?
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What other job does Lengel do?
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What is Stokesie's job at the A&P?
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What does Sammy nickname Queenie's first friend?
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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?
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What does Sammy call the A&P customers?
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What causes Queenie's self-confidence to weaken slightly?
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Who is inspired by Queenie's brazenness and vulnerability?
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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?
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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?
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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.
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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?
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What kind of behavior does the girls' experience catalyze in the men?
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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?
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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.