Writing Assignment on

John Updike's "A & P"

Option A.  Identify the protagonist, the dramatic situation, the central conflict, and the dramatic question at stake in Updike's story.  What constitues the climax?  What happens in the dénoument?  What factors would determine our decision in in each case?  If you think one or more of these could be identified differently, explain why this is, and what difference it would make in our conception of the overall theme of the piece.

Option B.  In light of the story's dénoument, would it be more appropriate to think of Updike's "A & P" as an instance of tragedy or of comedy?  Explain your answer.

  You may wish to review the general instructions on Writing Assignments.