A&P

At the end of the story, Sammy tells Lengel that he quits, hoping that Queenie and her friends will overhear and understand he is doing it on their behalf. Does Sammy want to be authentic, or does he only want to appear authentic? What is the difference?

“A&P” is written in the tone of realism. What about the story signals realism? Is there any part of the story that seems fantastical or unreal? Identify these moments and explain your reasoning.

Is Sammy a hero? Why or why not?

What is beauty’s role in the story? Identify at least two moments specifically concerning beauty, and consider their significance.

Why does Sammy quit his job? How would you explain his rationale?

Why does Sammy refer to the customers as “sheep” and “pigs?” What do these labels say about the customers and their role in the story? What does it say about Sammy that he uses these insults?

Sammy’s parents exist outside of the story, so why does Lengel bring them up? Is it to manipulate Sammy? Consider this moment and explain why you think Lengel mentions them.

How would the story change if Sammy were not an unreliable narrator? Would it be a fundamentally different story with a fundamentally different protagonist? Or could it remain similar?