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

2. What does Zooey tell Franny that he and Buddy did that she was unaware of?

3. In a discussion with Zooey, who does Bessie say that Franny should talk to?

4. In the book Franny has been reading, who does the pilgrim find to help him learn about the prayer?

5. What medical problem does Zooey have?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What does the setting of Buddy and Seymour's bedroom say about their characters?

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

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

8. How would you interpret Franny's dream?

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

10. Zooey is conflicted over his brothers. When his mother continuously mentions Buddy and Seymour, Zooey finally loses his temper. How does Zooey show the darkest side of himself?

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

Salinger continually interrupts the plot with the idea of the apartment being painted. The painting of the apartment is a symbol. In a well-organized essay using examples from the novel, explain what the painting is a symbol of, how it is used and why it is used.

Essay Topic 3

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

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