A&P Story Analysis Quiz

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?

Lengel is the manager of A&P and Sammy's boss. He is also a friend of Sammy's parents. Signup and view all the answers

What are the girls wearing when they enter the A&P?

Bathing suits. Signup and view all the answers

In what part of the country does the story take place?

In a New England town, North of Boston. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Sammy feel that Stokesie's reaction to the girls is fundamentally different?

Because he is a married man. Signup and view all the answers

How does Sammy describe the drinks that he imagines Queenie's parents serve at parties?

The color of water. Signup and view all the answers

What does Sammy do at the end of the story?

He quits his job. Signup and view all the answers

What is Lengel's job at the A&P?

The store manager. Signup and view all the answers

What other job does Lengel do?

Sunday-School teacher. Signup and view all the answers

What is Stokesie's job at the A&P?

Check-out clerk. Signup and view all the answers

What does Sammy nickname Queenie's first friend?

Plaid. Signup and view all the answers

What does Sammy nickname Queenie's second friend?

Big Tall Goony Goony. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Queenie's clothing does Sammy focus on to construct an image of her inner life?

Her dangling shoulder straps. Signup and view all the answers

What does Sammy call the A&P customers?

Sheep. Signup and view all the answers

What causes Queenie's self-confidence to weaken slightly?

Lengel's confrontation. Signup and view all the answers

Who is inspired by Queenie's brazenness and vulnerability?

Sammy. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Lengel, the store manager, confront the 3 girls?

Because they were wearing bathing suits that were showing their shoulders, and that was against the store's policy. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Sammy quit his job at the end of the story?

Sammy quits his job at the end of the story because he didn't like the way Lengel acted in front of the girls by embarrassing them. He wanted freedom and independence from his job, the store, and his parents. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Sammy call his customers at the A&P sheep?

It's a way of saying that he is tired and fed up with his job. Signup and view all the answers

When a customer reprimands Sammy for a mistake, he thinks of her as a what?

A witch. Signup and view all the answers

The story ends with Sammy needing to turn his inquisitive eye on?

Himself. Signup and view all the answers

Though the girls' swimsuits are initially a symbol of sexuality, they become a symbol of ___________ as the story unfolds.

Freedom. Signup and view all the answers

What do the girls hand to Sammy to ring up at the check-out line?

Kingfish Fancy Herring Snacks in Pure Sour Cream. Signup and view all the answers

What is Queenie's response to Lengel's confrontation?

We are decent. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of behavior does the girls' experience catalyze in the men?

Piggish. Signup and view all the answers

Who is McMahon?

He works as a butcher at the A&P. The 3 girls talk to him at the meat counter. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it odd that the 3 girls are wearing bathing suits in the A&P in the story?

Because it is an unusual and inappropriate outfit for a grocery store. Signup and view all the answers

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.