View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What was the one idea that Jesus absolutely knew that often eludes people, according to Zooey?

2. Zooey says that people who use their egos to get ahead cannot possibly have what?

3. Where is Zooey going to have lunch on the afternoon of his long bath?

4. How does Franny describe Zooey to Buddy on the phone?

5. What did Seymour use as a motivation for both Buddy and Franny?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Zooey explain to Franny that he does to other people that drives Zooey crazy?

2. Why is it so odd that the curtains have been removed from the living room?

3. Explain in detail the significance of the Fat Lady.

4. Once Zooey arrives at Buddy's phone, he puts himself in "the ready position." What is he readying himself for?

5. What is the difference between knowledge and wisdom according to Franny?

6. What does Zooey tell Franny about her understanding of Jesus that should prevent her from saying the prayer?

7. Why is Zooey so upset that Dick came to town and wanted Zooey to go out for drinks with him?

8. How does Zooey feel about Lane and why does he feel this way?

9. What does the setting of the Glasses' living room say about the character of Bessie?

10. Why does Bessie ask Zooey's opinion about whether she should call her son the priest to help Franny when Zooey treats his mother the way that he does?

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

Setting is crucial to any story as to the development of a character. Salinger sets the bulk of the story of Franny and Zooey in the bathroom. What does the setting of the bathroom do to drive the characters of Bessie and Zooey? What does it say about each of them individually? What does it say about their relationship to each other?

Essay Topic 3

How does Seymour's strong influence affect the characters of Franny and Zooey? In a well-organized essay, discuss the influence of Seymour and its significance to the characters of Franny and Zooey in the decisions that they make throughout the novel.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 931 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample