Revisiting "A&P" for Theme Flashcards
1
Q
what textual evidence about power could lead to theme
A
- Sammy and the girls are powerless; they do what others tell them
- the only person with power is the store manager
- even though 19, society still looks at Sammy as a powerless kid
2
Q
what is the author saying about power? look for textual evidence
A
- Sammy goes through a power struggle with his loss and then quits; his grasp for power is fruitless
- Sammy knows this but struggles for power anyway
- Sammy fights “the man” (store manager) and loses
3
Q
thematic statement ex.
A
- those without power will have a difficult time getting it
- fighting the man is an uphill battle
4
Q
what is the author saying about principles?
A
- Sammy sees that he isn’t gaining much from his principles, (in this case, standing up for the girls, who ignore him)
- However even though maybe wrong, Sammy feels compelled to stand for what he believes in, for his “principles”
- our principles, however wrong, are important to maintain
5
Q
what is the author saying about “appearances”?
A
- the girls are chastised for their appearance
- the store manager chastises the girls and sends them out of the store because of their “appearance” - of what they are wearing
- right or wrong, appearances matter
6
Q
what is the best way to find theme
A
look at the big picture and at what emotion or human experience the author is exploring
7
Q
which word describes all the characters with the exception of Lengel
A
powerless
8
Q
noble and global theme
A
he who is angry hurts himself
9
Q
what does Updike suggest about fighting the metaphorical “man”
A
it will likely lead to an uphill struggle, but can sometimes prove powerful