Zooey (pgs. 69-91) Summary

After finishing the letter, Zooey, still in the tub, puts it away and starts reading a manuscript. After reading a few lines, he puts it down, disappointed in the material. Soon, his mother, Bessie, comes in the bathroom under the guise of dropping off a new brand of toothpaste she wants him to try. Bessie, despite Zooey's pleas that she gets out, sits on the toilet as he bathes. Almost immediately, the two get into a verbal joust, with Zooey telling her to go away, and Bessie determined to speak her mind.

Bessie asks Zooey to speak to Franny. Franny has been at home for the past several days and has eaten almost nothing. She has been crying inconsolably for days with only a cat to keep her company. Bessie also mentions that Franny has been mumbling something to...