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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 do Lane and Bessie believe is the reason for Franny's troubles?

2. Why doesn't Zooey want to leave New York?

3. What does Zooey do in Buddy's room?

4. Who does Zooey say that Franny should act for?

5. After Zooey upsets Franny, what is she trying to get him to do?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Salinger include Bloomberg in the scene between Franny and Zooey?

3. How would you interpret Franny's dream?

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

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

6. How did Zooey and Franny become freaks in Zooey's eyes?

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

8. What is Bessie saying about her relationship with her children when she states to Zooey that when they were little they were so happy and smart--"just lovely"?

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

10. Has Franny resolved her inner conflict by the end of the story?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Ego and phoniness are recurring themes in the novel. What is Salinger expressing about his feelings on each of these themes?

Essay Topic 3

How does Franny outwardly conform while questioning inward? Write an essay in which you analyze how this tension between outward conformity and inward questioning contributes to the meaning of the work.

(see the answer keys)

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