A&P Questions on Sammy
A&P
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
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...
A&P
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...
A&P
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...
A&P
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...
A&P
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...
A&P
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
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...
A&P
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...
A&P
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...
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...
A&P
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...
A&P
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....
A&P
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...
A&P
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.
A&P
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...
A&P
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...
A&P
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...
A&P
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...
A&P
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...
A&P
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.
A&P
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....
A&P
What are some examples of connotation in John Updike's "A & P"?
In "A & P," John Updike uses connotation to convey deeper meanings and emotions. For instance, Sammy describes his manager Lengel using words like "haggling" and "scuttle," which imply pettiness...
A&P
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...
A&P
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'...
A&P
In "A&P," is there any foreshadowing that hints at Sammy quitting his job?
Sammy quits his job because he is bored, and the girls' arrival provides a welcome distraction from the mundane nature of his job.
A&P
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...
A&P
Which passages in John Updike's "A & P" relate to the climactic point where Sammy says, "I quit"?
In "A & P," Sammy's decision to quit is foreshadowed by several moments illustrating his chivalric and rebellious mindset. He romanticizes the girls, especially "Queenie," and feels a need to...
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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...
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Where do you foresee Sammy in ten years and why?
In ten years, Sammy's future is uncertain but holds two main possibilities. He might return to a conservative path, similar to Lengel, becoming a grocery clerk or manager after realizing the world’s...
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In John Updike's "A&P", what differentiates Sammy, Queenie, and Lengel?
In contrast to the adult, Mr. Lengel, who enforces rules that are sedate and conventional, Sammy is young and romantic in his perceptions of the world. Queenie is somewhat defiant and self-centered....
A&P
Is "A&P" by John Updike considered sexist in contemporary America?
"A&P" by John Updike reflects the societal norms of its time, which included prevalent sexist attitudes. The protagonist, Sammy, exhibits sexist views, such as questioning women's mental...
A&P
Why does Sammy refer to the girl as "Queenie" in "A&P"?
Sammy calls the girl “Queenie” because she is both the leader of her group of friends and someone who conducts and carries herself in a rather regal way, despite her casual attire and surroundings....
A&P
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...
A&P
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...
A&P
In "A&P," why might the girls wear their bikinis in the store?
In "A&P," the girls might wear bikinis in the store because they are young and unselfconscious, possibly coming from the beach without realizing the distance to the grocery store. Their attire...
A&P
How is Sammy's experience as a girl-watcher revealed in "A & P"?
Sammy's experience as a girl-watcher in "A & P" is revealed through his detailed observations and descriptions of the girls who enter the store. His familiarity with the nuances of their...
A&P
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...
A&P
In Updike's A & P, does Sammy's consciousness differ from Updike's?
Sammy's consciousness in "A & P" differs from Updike's as Sammy embodies youthful idealism and innocence, viewing "Queenie" as regal and his actions as noble. Updike, however, is aware of the...
A&P
Analyze the characterization techniques used in "A&P".
Physical Characteristics: Sammy is tall, thin and very shy. He has dark hair and wears glasses. Physical actions: Sammy stands up for the girls. He quits his job after he realizes how he's been...
A&P
How might characters be portrayed in "A & P" if the story were told by Lengel?
If "A & P" were narrated by Lengel, the characters would be portrayed in a straightforward, matter-of-fact manner. Lengel, as a by-the-book manager, would focus on enforcing store policies rather...
A&P
What does Sammy say that indicates he predicted the girls' outcome?
Sammy's actions and thoughts in the story reveal that he anticipated the outcome concerning the girls. When his manager, Lengel, warns him that he'll "feel this for the rest of your life," Sammy...
A&P
Comparisons and similarities between Sammy in "A & P" and Connie in "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been."
Sammy and Connie are similar in their youthful defiance and desire for independence. Both characters experience moments of epiphany that lead to significant personal change. Sammy quits his job...
A&P
How can I start a thesis comparing my role as a defense paralegal, always standing up for others, to Sammy's...
To start your thesis comparing your role as a defense paralegal to Sammy's situation in "A&P," focus on the theme of standing up for others. Begin with: "At some point, everyone faces the...
A&P
Can you provide pointers for comparing and contrasting "A&P" with "Soldier's Home"?
"A&P" and "Soldier's Home" both feature young male protagonists out of sync with their societies, but for different reasons. Krebs in "Soldier's Home" is disillusioned and detached due to his war...