Final answer:
The question deals with themes in literature, such as the appearances versus reality and marketing tactics in consumer-driven cultures like the United States. It examines the idea of store names and the absence of signs, and how questions posed by Whitman in a modern supermarket setting highlight the absurdity and lack of promoted critical thinking in consumerist societies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question seems to be centered around the use of symbolism and themes in literature, specifically regarding the unconventional way stores are named and the absence of signs. Starting with the reference to signs not always matching the store's offerings, such as a wooden sign being appropriate for a traditional BBQ restaurant but not for a tech store, we can explore the thematic idea of appearances versus reality. The mention of Whitman's questions in a supermarket, such as "Who killed the pork chops?" or "Are you my Angel?" touches on absurdity and the disconnect between the reality of consumer products and their origins, as well as the impersonal nature of modern consumer interactions. These questions would likely baffle employees and illustrate how certain types of critical thinking aren't encouraged in consumerist societies.
Additionally, the naming of stores, like a liquor store called "Country Club" liquor to invoke a sense of exclusivity and class, is a marketing tactic leveraging social perceptions and often plays upon the aspirations or desires of the targeted consumer demographic. It's an example of how language and naming conventions can be used to influence consumer behavior and how they reflect societal values, especially in consumer-driven cultures like the United States.