Question 1

What is Sammy's initial impression of the girls when they enter the store?

Accepted Answer

He is intrigued by their confidence.

Answer

He is intimidated by them.

Answer

He is uninterested in them.

Answer

He is annoyed by their outfits.

Question 2

Which best describes Queenie’s role among the group of girls?

Accepted Answer

She leads with subtle authority.

Answer

She follows the chunky girl.

Answer

She stays out of sight.

Answer

She walks behind the others.

Question 3

What does Sammy notice most about Queenie’s physical appearance?

Accepted Answer

Her poise and posture.

Answer

Her large hat.

Answer

Her bright lipstick.

Answer

Her expensive purse.

Question 4

Sammy’s description of customers as “sheep” suggests what about his attitude?

Accepted Answer

He sees them as mindless followers.

Answer

He wishes to join them.

Answer

He fears their judgment.

Answer

He admires their discipline.

Question 5

What action triggers Sammy’s decision to quit?

Accepted Answer

Lengel’s lecturing of the girls.

Answer

Customers yelling at Sammy.

Answer

A fight in the parking lot.

Answer

Stokesie teasing Sammy.

Question 6

Which best describes Lengel's reaction to the girls?

Accepted Answer

Stern but formal enforcement of policy.

Answer

Genuine amusement at their fashion.

Answer

Eagerness to help them shop.

Answer

Indifference to their presence.

Question 7

What does Queenie buy from the store?

Accepted Answer

A jar of herring snacks.

Answer

A pack of gum.

Answer

A loaf of bread.

Answer

A magazine.

Question 8

The story’s setting is significant mostly because:

Accepted Answer

It highlights ordinary life and social conformity.

Answer

It takes place next to a beach.

Answer

It is inside a large department store.

Answer

It is during a big holiday sale.

Question 9

Why is Sammy's narration important to understanding the story?

Accepted Answer

It reveals his personal biases and motivations.

Answer

It provides an omniscient perspective.

Answer

It uses a formal and neutral tone.

Answer

It details all characters’ backgrounds.

Question 10

What motivates Sammy’s final act of quitting?

Accepted Answer

Desire to make a meaningful gesture of rebellion.

Answer

Jealousy toward Stokesie.

Answer

Fear of being punished by Lengel.

Answer

Pressure from his family to change jobs.

Question 11

What is the function of the story’s first-person narration?

Accepted Answer

Shows events through Sammy’s subjective experience.

Answer

Focuses on Lengel’s inner thoughts.

Answer

Shares Queenie’s internal conflict.

Answer

Provides a balanced, third-person view.

Question 12

Which phrase best captures the story’s overall tone?

Accepted Answer

Wry and critical observation.

Answer

Detached scientific analysis.

Answer

Mocking and aggressive protest.

Answer

Solemn and nostalgic reflection.

Question 13

How does Updike use dialogue in the story?

Accepted Answer

To reveal character traits and social dynamics.

Answer

To provide long expository explanations.

Answer

To distract from main conflict.

Answer

To present detailed setting descriptions.

Question 14

What does Sammy imagine about Queenie's background?

Accepted Answer

That she comes from an affluent family.

Answer

That she is a new employee.

Answer

That she grew up in poverty.

Answer

That she lives alone nearby.

Question 15

How do the other girls respond to Queenie’s leadership?

Accepted Answer

They mirror her actions and follow her lead.

Answer

They shop alone and ignore her.

Answer

They frequently walk ahead.

Answer

They constantly correct her.

Question 16

The story’s ending suggests that Sammy’s choice is:

Accepted Answer

Difficult and uncertain in its consequences.

Answer

Immediately rewarded with approval.

Answer

Completely insignificant to him.

Answer

Quickly forgotten by everyone.

Question 17

How does Updike portray adult authority in A&P?

Accepted Answer

As rigid and unsympathetic to the unconventional.

Answer

As disengaged from the world.

Answer

As caring and lenient to the young.

Answer

As highly imaginative and creative.

Question 18

Sammy refers to his boss and others as “sheep.” What literary device is this?

Accepted Answer

Metaphor for conformity.

Answer

Paradox for style.

Answer

Symbol for rebellion.

Answer

Hyperbole for drama.

Question 19

Why does Queenie’s reaction to Lengel matter to Sammy?

Accepted Answer

It triggers empathy and the urge to act.

Answer

It increases his dislike for Lengel.

Answer

It makes him feel superior.

Answer

It causes frustration with the girls.

Question 20

What theme does Sammy’s resignation most clearly represent?

Accepted Answer

Individualism and personal integrity.

Answer

Acceptance of all authority.

Answer

Desire for collective acceptance.

Answer

Devotion to tradition and rules.

Related quizzes

Related quizzes