Any topic (writer’s choice)

After reading “A & P,” select one of the following for research analysis of the story. Remember that you must use one of the sources I provide and 3-5 other scholarly, secondary sources.

1.  What do Sammy’s actions reveal about his attitude toward women?  Using sources, explain in what respects his attitude was typical of the time period in which the story is set.

2.  Critics note that Updike’s work often includes a critique of middle-class American values.  Do you think this is true in “A&P”?  What particular values of the late 1950s and early 1960s seem to be embraced – and challenged – in the story?

3.  How have critics interpreted the closing words of “A & P,” when Sammy admits, “I felt how hard the world was going to be to me hereafter”?  What do they thing Sammy means by “hard”?  Do they agree or disagree with Sammy’s assessment of his own future?  How do these responses compare with your own ideas about the story’s ending?

All essays must contain the primary source AND three to five scholarly secondary sources from the library’s Galileo collection.
All essays must use at least ONE of the secondary sources provided by the instructor.
All essays must contain internal citations and a corresponding Works Cited page in MLA format.
All essays should be 1000-1500 words – not including the Works Cited page or title.