1. If three girls in swimsuits entered your local supermarket today, what do you think the reaction would be? Have societal attitudes towards issues like dress codes evolved or stayed largely the same over the past forty years?

2. Consider the events in the story from the perspective of the girls. Why do you think they chose to go to the grocery store wearing their bathing suits?

3. If you were adapting this story into a modern film, what song would you play over the store's speakers? Consider the themes present in both the story and the song when making your choice.

4. At the story's conclusion, Sammy says, "I felt how hard the world was going to be to me hereafter." Do you agree with his sentiment? Why or why not?

5. Imagine yourself in Sammy's situation. Would you have defended the girls' actions? Would their embarrassment be worth risking your job?

6. Originally, Updike continued the story with Sammy searching for the girls at the beach. In your opinion, what happens next in the story?