Close Reading Questions for “A&P”
1. Why does the author title the story “A&P”? Consider the setting as you answer this
question.
2. Sammy says, “I slid right down her voice into her living room.” What kind of literary
device is this and what does Sammy mean by this statement?
3. Sammy remarks that he does not think that his story is sad. What does this word
choice reveal about Sammy’s character and his interpretation of the consequences of his
actions?
4. In what sense will the world be hard for Sammy going forward?
5. Updike uses the word hereafter as Sammy considers his future. Why is the word
surprising?