Franny is a student aged 20 years of age, she studies at Yale College. The story begins by Franny visiting her boyfriend who studies at Harvard. It was during the annual Yale-Harvard football challenge. Immediately, Franny begins putting down and deconstructing almost everything, Lane mentions. She criticizes everything uttered by her boyfriend; the only positive thing she talks about is discussing the religious book, The Way of the Pilgrimage. The book is about as Russian peasants who learn to pray according Jesus Prayer on the bible. Franny's stand on religious matters brings light to any other Christian, who believes in the powers of prayers. A despite the fact that Franny faced several challenges, she stays firm and is not shaken easily, she puts all her burdens to Jesus Christ. The short story of Franny matches and fits the next story of Zooey; the first story prepares the reader for the second story by describing aspects and virtues, which are completed, on the next story.
The writer's introduction of the main characters and the children of the Glass family at the beginning of the story enable the reader to capture the role of each character. The characters have different perceptions about various issues. The seven children of the Glass family as illustrated on the story melt indistinguishably as one impractical radiance of personal intelligence and beauty. The ‘prose home movie' from the narrator is a love story. The word surname Glass describes how the fragile nature of the family because of the different views and perceptions about religious concerns. The Glasses condemn the world to condescend to it but to forgive at the end of the narrative.
The letter gives details about the death of the older Child, Seymour and seems to apologize for the moral lessons Seymour gave to Franny and Zooey as the young members of the family. The letter tells Zooey to be kind and respectful to their mother, Bessie. At the end of the letter, Buddy supports the decision of Zooey to become an actor. The letter also described that, it was the role and responsibility of the older children to teach the young children, Franny and Zooey. The letter from Bessie as per Buddy urged Zooey to get a Ph.D. in Math before he goes acting. Franny has learnt from her elder brothers especially from Seymour; she captures religious aspects. On the other hand, Zooey has opposite views; Zooey should emulate his older brothers.
Bessie the mother of the Glass family is concerned about the progress and development of her children. She worries much about Franny and wonders about her strong religion. Bessie is in a dilemma to define whether Franny's religion is Catholic. Zooey condemns Franny's stand on religion and tells her that it is not reality. This hurts Franny, instead of getting consolation from her brother, she gets discouragement, and this does not please her.
The relationship of Zooey and his mother is not well developed. He totally lacks respect and disobeys her. This is evident when Bessie enters the room to pick toothpaste and Zooey calls her fat and stupid. In addition, according to religious experience Zooey does not portray the virtue of respect for parents. It is expected that children have the mandate to respect and obey their parents; this is also illustrated in the Holy Bible. However, at the end of the story Zooey understands that religion is important and that God should be served and worshiped.
Works Cited
Salinger, J D. Franny and Zooey. Boston: Little, Brown and Co, 1961.
