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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. When the reader first meets Zooey, what is Zooey doing?

2. What was being taken out of the body of the lovely woman in the story told on the plane?

3. Why does Lane think Franny should not say bad things about her English department?

4. What does Bessie wear while at home?

5. How many years before had Buddy's letter been written?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Franny feel as she tells Lane about the story of the pilgrim?

2. Franny calls Lane a "section man." What is a section man and what does she mean by it?

3. What does Franny explain to Lane about competing?

4. Why does Salinger take the time to list the many items in the medicine cabinet?

5. How does Bessie view Les as inept?

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

7. What does Bessie's attire say about her character?

8. Right from the start, Franny and Lane do not seem to be a couple who are dedicated to each other or their relationship. How is this shown though characterization in the opening pages leading to the point where Franny excuses herself to the ladies' room?

9. What kind of a character is Lane?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Foreshadowing is a literary technique whereby an author gives clues as to what will occur in the plot. Choose four examples of foreshadowing that Salinger uses in Franny and Zooey. Describe the four scenes in detail showing what techniques Salinger uses to foreshadow. Then comment on whether those techniques came to fruition later in the novel.

Essay Topic 2

Franny is hypocritical. Her hypocrisy makes her a complex character. It also is a theme of the novel. In a well-organized essay, tie the theme to her character and explain how she is hypocritical and how that hypocrisy is a theme of the novel. Use quotes and examples. Avoid plot summary.

Essay Topic 3

Why does Franny become so obsessed with the book The Way of the Pilgrim? What does the obsession say about her character? As you write, be sure to use such literary terms as round, flat, static, and/or dynamic.

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