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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What feature of Bessie's is compared to a deposed Balkan queen's?

2. In the book that Franny is reading, after the pilgrim learns what he is seeking, what does he do next?

3. What does Franny tell Lane is the reason why she can't lend him the pilgrim book that she has been reading?

4. After telling her tale, Franny attempts to return to the bathroom. On the way what happens to her?

5. What was it about the Glass family that caused problems as Buddy saw it?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the idea behind the Jesus prayer as explained by Franny to Lane?

2. What might the reason be for Franny breaking down in the bathroom instead of with the boy she claims to love.

3. When the reader first meets Franny, she seems flighty. How so?

4. When Franny tells Lane that she believes she is going crazy, do you feel that she is serious?

5. What kind of a character is Lane?

6. How does Bessie view Les as inept?

7. What are the main topics that Buddy writes to Zooey about?

8. After Franny leaves for the restroom, Lane evaluates his situation. What does he discover, and what does it say about his relationship with Franny?

9. How do Zooey and Buddy handle the suicide of Seymour?

10. Zooey lashes out at Bessie over Bessie's concern for Franny's lack of appetite. What is it that Zooey tells Bessie she is missing by worrying over food?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The death of Seymour contributes to the theme of the story. In a well-organized essay, explain what may have caused Seymour to commit suicide and link that cause to the theme of selfishness. Use quotes and examples. Avoid plot summary.

Essay Topic 2

Zooey is a character of contradictions. What are those contradictions and are they ever resolved in the story?

Essay Topic 3

Bessie tells Zooey that he cannot "live in the world with such strong likes and dislikes." Using examples and quotes from the book, show how Zooey has strong likes and dislikes. Then explain what Bessie is trying to teach Zooey. Do you agree with her or not?

(see the answer keys)

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