How fully does Updike draw the character of Sammy? What traits(admirable or otherwise) does Sammy show? Is he any less a hero for wanting the girls to notice his heroism? To what extent is he more thoroughly and fully portrayed than the doctor in “Godfather Death”?

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Sammy isn’t sophisticated, but he is sometimes witty and always observant. He comes from a family of proletarian beer drinkers and thinks martinis are garnished with mint. His feelings for the girls begin with lustful admiration for their beauty and unconventional behavior, but this soon turns to pity, since he believes the girls did not intend to foster such a judgmental response from strangers. Then he feels elated when they decide to check out at his register, which turns to anger at his manager for the unjust humiliation they undergo. That he wants to be admired for his heroism only makes his character more realistic and human. His motives for doing so are deeper than just wanting the girls’ attention. Sammy considers that his boss knows his parents, and realizes his act may warrant their disapproval.


Unlike the doctor in “Godfather Death,” the reader experiences the pleasure of hearing Sammy’s own thoughts consistently throughout “A & P.” We sympathize with Sammy, in part, because we are offered so many insights into his personality and humanity. We experience his passage from boyhood to manhood, and we share his painful realization in the final paragraph. In “Godfather Death,” we are only given two moments of insight into the doctor’s thoughts: once when he defies Death to save the King, and again when he rebels to save the King’s daughter. Although we sympathize when he “fell into the hands of Death,” it is so predictable that we wonder why he didn’t see it coming. Sammy’s final realization is raw and surprising. We see Sammy’s strengths and weaknesses from a psychological perspective that is completely absent from “Godfather Death,” as it is from most fairy tales, fables, and legends.

Language Arts & World Languages

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(5) ____________

Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).

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INSTRUCTIONS: Choose the correct answer.Writing about causes and effects requires ____.

A. that you first conduct research B. careful observation and critical thinking C. a clear example as proof D. that you be both imaginative and creative

Language Arts & World Languages

Listen to the passage once and choose the appropriate answer to the question. Then listen to the same passage again to double check your answer.


What do we know about the male speaker
A. He always plays basketball with his friends.
B. He likes to watch basketball games.
C. He plays basketball very well.

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B. Los pasatiempos(Pastimes). Through your friends' activities, you can tell what they like to do. Read each statement, then write a sentence saying what he/she/they like(s) to do.   Preparamos unas enchiladas con guacamole.

What will be an ideal response?

Language Arts & World Languages