"A & P" Practice Quiz with Answer Explanations

What is the narrator's first impression of the girl in the plaid green bathing suit?

• She is very attractive and confident

• She is chunky with a good tan

• She looks uncomfortable in her bathing suit

• She appears to be older than the others

Answer explanation

Answer:
B) She is chunky with a good tan

The narrator describes the girl in the plaid green bathing suit as "chunky with a good tan," indicating a positive first impression focused on her physical appearance rather than confidence or discomfort.

Which character does the narrator first describe as "the queen"?

• The chunky girl in the plaid green two-piece
  

• The tall girl with black hair
  

•  The girl with the chubby berry face
  

•  The girl who leads the others

Answer explanation

Answer:
C) The girl who leads the others

The narrator describes 'the girl who leads the others' as 'the queen' because she holds a position of authority and influence among her peers, distinguishing her from the other girls mentioned.

How does the phrase "letting the weight move along to her toes" contribute to

the characterization of the "queen"?

• It emphasizes her graceful movements

• It suggests she is clumsy and awkward

• It indicates her discomfort in the store

• It reveals her lack of awareness of her surroundings

Answer explanation

Answer:
A) It emphasizes her graceful movements

This phrase emphasizes the gracefulness and confidence of the "queen," suggesting she is aware of her presence and how she carries herself, enhancing her character as someone who is self-assured.

How does the narrator's description of the three girls reflect his personal biases?

• He admires them without reservation

• He uses derogatory language to describe them

• He highlights their physical features in a detailed manner

• He focuses solely on their attire without further commentary

Answer explanation

Answer:
C) He highlights their physical features in a detailed manner

The narrator's detailed and physical descriptions of the girls reveal his biases, particularly focusing on their appearances rather than their personalities or behaviors. This illustrates a superficial view that highlights his objectification of women.

What does the protagonist’s initial description of the girls reveal about his character?

• He is indifferent to their presence.

• He is judgmental and observant.

• He is embarrassed by their attire.

• He admires their confidence.

Answer explanation

Answer:
B) He is judgmental and observant.

The protagonist (Sammy) details each girl’s physical appearance and attire, indicating his keen observation and judgmental nature.

What does the narrator's internal monologue reveal about his character and values?

• He is focused solely on his job and responsibilities

• He is conflicted between societal norms and personal desires

• He believes in strict adherence to rules

• He has little regard for others' opinions

Answer explanation

Answer:
B) He is conflicted between societal norms and personal desires

The internal conflict experienced by the narrator signifies a struggle between his growing awareness of personal desires and the expectations of societal norms, highlighting his journey toward individualism.

What effect does the way the narrator speaks have on how readers see him?

• It makes him appear intelligent and well-educated

• It helps him seem genuine and relatable

• It creates a sense of distance between him and the reader

• It makes him come across as immature and naive

Answer explanation

Answer:
D) It makes him come across as immature and naive

The narrator’s language is casual, judgmental, and full of youthful observations, which reveal his immaturity and limited perspective. For example, he objectifies the girls by focusing on their physical appearances, referring to them as "the queen" or "the chunky one" and commenting on details like their bathing suits and "vanilla scoops." His dismissive tone toward other characters, such as calling the customers "sheep," further highlights his naivety and rebellious nature.

How is Lengel's character revealed through his dialogue with the girls?

• He comes off as friendly and understanding

• He appears authoritarian and condescending

• He shows genuine concern for their well-being

• He is eager to please the customers

Answer explanation

Answer:

B) He appears authoritarian and condescending

Lengel's authoritative and condescending tone when he reminds the girls that "this isn't the beach" showcases his strict adherence to societal norms and policies, portraying him as an unyielding figure in contrast to the carefree nature of the girls.

In what way does Updike's choice of diction enhance the theme of youth versus maturity?

• By using formal language to depict the girls

• By contrasting youthful language with adult concerns

• By maintaining a consistent tone throughout the story

• By employing slang to represent the older characters

Answer explanation

Answer:
B) By contrasting youthful language with adult concerns

By contrasting the youthful, carefree language of the girls with the more serious and formal language of the adult characters, Updike effectively illustrates the tension between the innocence of youth and the responsibilities of adulthood.

How does the author depict the older customers’ reactions to the girls?

• They are supportive and encouraging.

• They are indifferent and uninterested.

• They are angry and confrontational.

• They are shocked and disapproving.

Answer explanation

Answer:

C) They are shocked and disapproving.

The older customers’ startled reactions reveal societal expectations about modesty and propriety.