Rewrite the opening paragraph of this story in the third person. Why do you think Updike chose to write it in the first person? Which version do you prefer? Why?

If three girls wearing bathing suits entered your neighborhood supermarket today, how do you think people would react? Over the past forty years, has society's attitude towards issues like dress changed significantly or remained largely the same?

If you were to adapt this story into a contemporary film, what song would you choose to play over the store's speakers? Consider the themes present in both the story and the song as you make your selection.

At the conclusion of the story, Sammy remarks, "I felt how hard the world was going to be to me hereafter." Do you believe he is perceptive or naive regarding his own character and future?