"Reading a Story"

Answers to Questions from Chapter 1, "Reading a Story"

P.6
1. The North Wind is a very thoughtless and impatient character. When attempting to strip the travler of his coat, he was quick to act and did not think his idea or plan through very well. Obviously, the Sun is the complete opposite. The Sun's personality is very wise and patient. These traits are expressed through his actions upon the traveler.

2. The North Wind's attempt was ineffective because he let all his strength and force out in one instant attack. The attack happened very fast and ended very fast; therefore, the traveler was not afflicted by it.

3. The sun was successful becuase his attempt was thought well through. He was very patient and calm towards his attempt. The Sun was very sly in actions. He gently crept upon the traveler with his heat and it ever so slowly distressed the traveler. Unlike the North Wind, the Sun did not use all his force at once. He balanced it out and it affected the traveler more versus strainig out all force at one time and becoming weak quicker.

4. The human serves as the example for how society is affected by persuasoin and force.

5. Persuasion is better than force. This statement claims that it is better to be patient and steady with someone versus pressuring them on the spot so quickly.

p. 8
1. The very first sentence, becuase we learn what the main character is doing and who is coming to visit him. He uses two sentences to set the tone for his humorous and bold answer.

2. Chuang Tzu shows more of his spirited character when he explains the story of the tortoise. It adds more humor and dramatic effect to the story when he does not answer immediately and already knows the answer to the question he asked the officials.

3. We learn the he has a sarcatic and humurous personality. Also, he is very wise to think of such a clever way to deliver his answer. We see that he does not care for high positions, but cares about the small natures of life.

p. 19
1. Updike's details in the story paint a clear and vivid picture of the A&P. We all can relate to, "flourecent lights", "checkerboard green-and-cream rubber -tile floor", and how he describes characters going up and down the aisles.

2. We have a very detailed description of the emotional and mental side of Sammy. After all, the story is in his point of view, so we read the story in his eyes and thoughts. Sammy's actions are admirable to some extent. Him quiting his job shows a lot of bravery and courgae; however, the reason for quiting his job is quite juevenille. Especially, when he immediately thinks about what the girl's opinion is of him for quitting his job. Unfortunately, they do not even know and probably do not even notice Sammy. However, Sammy puts a lot of thought into their physical appearance and so, we learn how "teenage" Sammy is. We know more about Sammy than the doctor in "Godfather Death" becuase we know every thought and feeling that goes through Sammy's mind during this entire scene. Again, this story is in Sammy's point of view, unlike the "Godfather Death" story.

3. I believe the exposition is the first two paragraphs, because the scene is set and we learn a about Sammy's character, we begin to meet the three girls with bathing suits and begin to learn why they are in the store. The plot begins to unfold from here. Queenie's description is very valued becuase it shows how Sammy thinks of her. At first, he judges her by her looks and then is suprised by her defending herself to the manager. The way Sammy describes her and how he notices her shows his boy immaturities. I think it is important to understand that Sammy is immature because of what he does at the end of the story.

4. Yes, he become very surprised to see that Queenie defends herself. He was intimidated by her physical appearance.

5. The dramatic conflict becomes visible when the manager begins to question the girls appearance. The crisis pops up when Queenie defends herself. The climax is when Sammy decides to quit and walk out.

6. I honestly believe that Sammy quits his job to impress the girls. He seems very immature and just want attention for the attractive opposite sex.

7. Probably, the way he thinks about them physically. He was obviously attracted to Queenie. I would say it is foreshadowed through how Sammy takes notice of the girls and how he almost obssesses over them in the scene.

8. From the conclusion of the story, we understand that Sammy is an immature teenage boy who wants to be noticed by an attractive girl. So, he decides to take a risk, but it is jus way over the top and unnecessary. The statement Sammy makes at the end of the story shows how in the world, you will make brave actions for whatever it is you believe in, but you will not always be recognized for them.

9. Updike mentions the word "sheep" a lot. I think he believes that the supermaket is like herding sheep through the aisles or the check out lines. Its very boring and grim. It is even worth quitting your job when to impress a girl.