Franny and Zooey | Study Guide

Perspective and Narrator

"Franny," one of two short stories, is recounted by a third-person omniscient narrator. As the story winds to a close, however, the narrative loses its omniscience, becoming objective as the narrator ends any comment on character feelings or motivations.

"Zooey," the second of the two short stories, begins in the first person as the narrator, Buddy Glass, introduces the story. The remainder of the story shifts to a third-person omniscient point of view. In a letter to his younger brother Zooey, Buddy uses both first- and second-person perspectives.

Tense

"Franny" is told in the past tense. In "Zooey," Buddy generally uses the present tense but occasionally speaks in the past. The omniscient narrator uses the past tense.

About the Title

As the titles suggests, siblings Franny, a college English major, and Zooey, a television actor, are the protagonists of their respective stories. Franny also plays an important role in her brother Zooey's story.