A&P Questions and Answers
A&P
Literary devices, symbols, metaphors, and irony in John Updike's "A&P"
In John Updike's "A&P," notable literary devices include symbolism, such as the A&P store representing societal norms and conformity. Metaphors are used to compare the characters to elements...
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In "A & P," what does Sammy's description of the three girls reveal about his character?
Sammy's description of the three girls in "A & P" reveals his lascivious and judgmental nature, as he objectifies and sexualizes them based on their physical attributes. However, his detailed...
A&P
What does "Fiddle-de-doo" mean in "A&P"?
"Fiddle-de-doo" as it is used in "A&P" is an insult that means "big deal." Sammy uses it to deflect Lengel's assertion that the girls' lack of clothing has embarrassed the store and its workers.
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Sammy's characterization of the customers as "sheep" in "A&P"
In "A&P," Sammy characterizes the customers as "sheep" to highlight their conformity and lack of individuality. This metaphor underscores his disdain for their unquestioning adherence to social...
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The influence of the setting on Sammy's actions and reactions in John Updike's "A & P," and the significance of...
In John Updike's "A & P," the setting of the grocery store influences Sammy's actions and reactions by highlighting his discontent with the mundane environment, prompting his impulsive decision...
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How does Updike portray Sammy's character in "A&P," including his traits and his desire for recognition? How does...
In the story "A&P," Updike is successful in drawing Sammy's character in a few brief strokes, showing that Sammy is observant, imaginative, rash, impulsive, and longs for a better life. He is no...
A&P
Did Sammy make the right decision in quitting his job in "A&P"?
In "A&P," one could argue that Sammy did not make the right decision in quitting, because his decision didn't achieve the ends he'd hoped it would. He didn't get the attention of the girls, loses...
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Sammy's final decision in "A&P" and the impact of his unreliability as a narrator
Sammy's final decision in "A&P" to quit his job is driven by his desire to assert his individuality and protest the store’s treatment of the girls. However, his unreliability as a narrator, due...
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Sammy's Motivations and Conflicts in "A & P"
In John Updike's "A & P," Sammy, a nineteen-year-old cashier, is motivated by a desire to break free from societal norms and impress three girls who defy the store's dress code by wearing bathing...
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Who is the antagonist in "A&P"?
The antagonist in John Updike's short story "A&P" is the store manager, Lengel. He represents authority and conformity, reprimanding the three girls for their inappropriate attire in the grocery...
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Thesis Ideas for John Updike's "A & P"
John Updike's "A & P" offers rich themes for thesis development, focusing on Sammy's epiphany and the consequences of his impulsive decision to quit his job. This decision reflects the tension...
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The nature of Sammy's character in "A&P": Hero or anti-hero?
Sammy's character in "A&P" can be seen as an anti-hero. While he makes a bold decision to quit his job in protest of how the girls are treated, his actions are driven more by personal...
A&P
What is the meaning of the last lines in "A & P"?
The last lines of "A & P" signify Sammy's realization of the consequences of his impulsive actions. After quitting his job in protest over Lengel's treatment of the girls, Sammy understands that...
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In "A&P," how do the customers' characteristics contrast with Queenie and her friend?
The customers in "A&P" serve as foils for Queenie and the girls. They are the dull, ordinary people that Sammy perceives himself stuck with, while the girls represent the exotic and desirable...
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What do the herring snacks symbolize in "A&P"?
In "A&P," the herring snacks symbolize the upper-class world that Sammy aspires to join.
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Is the narrator of "A & P" a static or dynamic character?
The narrator, Sammy, is a dynamic character. Initially, he is a typical teenage boy working a job he dislikes, motivated by a desire for recognition when he "defends" young girls in the store....
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In John Updike's "A&P," why does Sammy compare the girls to bees and what do bees symbolize?
Sammy compares the girls to bees because he is so confused about how a girl's mind works. He sees this lead girl, leading her followers like a Queen Bee, and wonders how her brain works.
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Exposition in "A&P"
The exposition in "A&P" introduces the setting, an ordinary grocery store, and the main character, Sammy, a young cashier. It establishes the mundane environment and sets up the arrival of three...
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What's the difference in economic and social class between "Queenie" and Sammy in "A&P"?
Updike demonstrates the difference in economic and social class between "Queenie" and Sammy through setting, appearance, and contrasting home lives. Upper-class Queenie definitely does not fit in the...
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Does "A&P" contain any foreshadowing?
Yes, there is foreshadowing in “A&P,” when Sammy hints how much he dislikes his store, the customers, and his coworkers. Portraying himself as being above ringing up sales as well as superior to...
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What does Queenie purchase at the A&P?
Queenie buys one jar of “Kingfish Fancy Herring Snacks in Pure Sour Cream” at the A&P. It soon becomes clear that this purchase is symbolic of her family’s elevated social and economic status.
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The point of dramatic conflict and crisis in the story "A&P"
The point of dramatic conflict and crisis in "A&P" occurs when the protagonist, Sammy, decides to quit his job in a display of rebellion against the store's conservative management, who reprimand...
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How are the girls treated like objects in A&P?
In "A&P," the girls are treated as objects through the narrator Sammy's objectifying gaze. He focuses on their physical appearance, using terms like "can" and "scoops of vanilla" to describe...
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How does the point of view in "A & P" by John Updike shape our interpretation?
First person point of view allows us to see more than would have been possible from the perspective of a third party observer. The reader is able to see Sammy's monotony, his longing for something...
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Does Sammy in "A&P" seem to like his job, and what specific language leads you to this conclusion?
Sammy seems indifferent to his job as grocery cashier in "A&P." His work day is tedious, except when punctuated by the diversion of pretty girls. He looks down on customers and coworkers. His...
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Why is Sammy fascinated with the three girls in "A&P" by John Updike?
Sammy is fascinated by the three girls in "A&P" because they defy social norms by wearing bathing suits in the store, which is unusual and rebellious. He is particularly drawn to "Queenie," who...
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What are the plot and climax of "A & P"?
“A & P” is about a supermarket cashier named Sammy who quits his job when his boss tells three girls to leave because of how they’re dressed. Sammy hopes the girls will view him as a hero for...
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In John Updike's "A & P," is Queenie a stock character?
Queenie is a stock character in "A & P." She has little personality, and the story unfolds around her. We have no idea of her thoughts or feelings. However, she represents many values that are...
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What type of humor is implied in the story "A&P"?
The humor in "A&P" is primarily conveyed through Sammy's point of view, characterized by his easy, conversational teenage vocabulary. His use of slang and sarcastic remarks, especially when...
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In "A&P," what does Queenie's bathing suit symbolize?
Queenie's entrance in a bathing suit, along with the other girls, represents an act of rebellion or freedom.
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What is the overall message of "A & P"?
The overall message of "A & P" is a nuanced exploration of teenage individualism and the consequences of defying social norms. The story illustrates how the girls' and Sammy's actions reflect...
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How are the boys in A&P and Araby alike and different?
The boys in A&P and Araby both have romanticized views of the girls they are in love with. They both imagine performing chivalrous actions on behalf of their beloveds. Sammy is more independent...
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Whose attitude towards the girls in "A & P" is more appealing, Sammy's or Lengel's?
I think Sammy is more appealing because he's doing something for the girls when Lengel isn't and I think that's a kind thing to do.
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Details in Updike's "A&P" that stand out as true to life and contribute to the story
In John Updike's "A&P," the realistic details that stand out include the mundane setting of the grocery store, the authentic dialogue among the characters, and the vivid descriptions of the...
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What was your initial reaction to "A&P"?
The main characters in this story are Sammy, the narrator, and Stokesie. Sammy is a part-time cashier at the local A&P grocery store. He has been working at this job for "two summers." Stokesie...
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How might the story of "A & P" be presented if narrated by someone other than Sammy?
The story would be interesting from Lengel's point of view because he is a fully-grown adult and has to work his job as a full-time career. I don't think Sammy's voice would be as interesting for the...
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How many and which literary elements are present in this story?
The story contains several literary elements: a coming-of-age theme, as Sammy evolves from a bored teenager to someone who takes a stand; dialogue, providing insight into characters; irony, as...
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What is the rising action in the short story "A&P"?
The "A&P" plot is linear, so it's not as complicated as other types of plots. The events are in chronological order, and they follow a normal pattern of rising action, climax/climax and falling...
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Where do you see Sammy ten years after the events in "A & P" and why?
Ten years after the events, Sammy is likely to be involved in social movements, possibly embracing the Civil Rights Movement of the late 1960s. His rebellious decision to quit his job at A & P...
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How does the narrator describe the girl's walk in "A&P"?
The narrator notices that the barefoot girl who comes into the store with her two friends walks with a slight hesitation, as if she is not quite as self-assured in her surroundings as she acts.
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What are some comparisons between Lengel and Sammy in John Updike's "A&P"?
In "A&P," both Sammy and Lengel are observant and aware of social norms, but they differ significantly in age, experience, and reactions to the girls' attire. Sammy is captivated by the girls'...
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How does the manager react to the girls in bathing suits at the A&P?
The manager reacts to the three rich girls wearing nothing but bathing suits to the A&P by embarrassing them. Lengel tells them that the store requires “decent” dress. Despite Queenie’s implied...
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Summarize "Godfather Death" by the Grimm Brothers and "A&P" by John Updike, and identify their literary forms and...
"A&P" by John Updike is a short story exploring themes of individualism and consequences through the character Sammy, who impulsively quits his job to impress girls, realizing the difficulties of...
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Analysis of whether Sammy's behavior in "A&P" by John Updike indicates sexism
Sammy's behavior in "A&P" by John Updike can be interpreted as sexist. His objectification of the girls and his condescending attitude towards them highlight underlying sexist tendencies....
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Why might some readers view the story "A&P" as offensively sexist?
Some readers view "A&P" as offensively sexist due to Sammy's objectification and derogatory descriptions of women, highlighting a focus on their physical appearance. Sammy, along with other male...
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In "A&P" by John Updike, what is the central conflict and is it serious or trivial?
The conflict of "A&P" is a strong, serious conflict that forces the main character to grow up.
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How is personification used in the short story "A&P"?
Personification in "A&P" is used to enhance the story's imagery and emotional impact. The door "heaves" itself open, suggesting effort, while the sunshine "skates" on the asphalt, adding a...
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Is John Updike's "A & P" written in first-person dramatic point-of-view?
John Updike's "A & P" is written in the first-person point of view, narrated by the character Sammy. This perspective provides a subjective and emotionally involved account of events, focusing on...
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Does Sammy connect with the girls before quitting his job in "A & P"?
In "A & P," Sammy does not connect with the girls before quitting his job. His interaction is limited to observing them and feeling drawn to the lead girl, Queenie. Although he sympathizes with...
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What are the most obvious physical characteristics in "A & P"?
The most obvious physical characteristics in "A & P" are the detailed descriptions of the girls who enter the supermarket in bathing suits. Sammy, the narrator, focuses on one girl in a plaid...