View a FREE sample

1. 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?

Franny mentions in the cab ride that she feels guilty because she told Lane that she missed him when she didn't. Neither one really listens when they speak to each other at the restaurant even though the conversations are personal.

2. Why is the reader told that the restaurant is for intellectual types.

Salinger is setting the scene for Franny's breakdown, which concerns intellectuals.

3. What kind of a character is Lane?

He is a flat character. A Harvard man he seems only to care about appearances. He lacks any kind of depth or sincerity.

4. When the reader first meets Franny, she seems flighty. How so?

Her emotions are all over the place. She writes a letter to Lane saying that she loves him, but then she admits she hasn't missed him. She blames herself for having a bad attitude and then she blames everyone else for it.

(read all 60 Short Essay Questions and Answers)

This section contains 3,366 words (approx. 12 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample