A Perfect Day for Bananafish

by JD Salinger

AP English Literature/ Mr. Mendelsohn/ Verdugo Hills Multimedia Magnet High School
DIRECTIONS: Complete the following activities based on the short story, A Perfect Day for Bananafish.
Word-process or write all work on your own paper in blue or black ink only. Identify each section of your
work using the headings below.
A) VOCABULARY WORDS/TERMS: Look up the definitions of the words below and write them down.
Also, look up the definitions of any words you didnt understand in the story and add them to your list.
monopolize
puberty
accentuate

mules
millener
oblique

protrude
vigorous

B) READING: Read the attached story at least twice: once for general ideas and once for specifics.
Highlight or underline any ideas, quotes or words you think are important.
C) EXTENDED RESPONSE QUESTIONS: Answer the questions below in complete sentences. Use CDs
(quotes) from the story and from your own observations and experiences.
1. What does Salinger imply about Muriel Glasss personality based on narrative and her conversations?
2. Why is the mother concerned about Muriels husband? Based on the mothers concerns, what
assumptions do you make about the husband?
3. Based on information in the phone conversation, what is implied about Muriel and Seymours
relationship before, during, and after the war?
4. How does Salinger portray Sybils mother? Which aspect(s) of American culture might the women in
this story symbolize?
5. How does Salinger portray Seymour Glass? Find two (2) CDs to support your answer.
6. How do you interpret Seymours interaction with Sybil? Does anything about it concern you or make
you uneasy?
7. What are two (2) indications of Seymours child-like state of mind? How would you characterize his
behavior (e.g. strange, playful, weird, entertaining, funny, bizarre, etc.)? Why?
8. How do bananafish serve as an analogy? Explain briefly.
9. Given Muriels conversation and Seymours interaction with Sybil, how do you make sense out of the
ending of the story? Why do you think Salinger chose to end the story this way?
10. Briefly discuss how Salinger uses diction and tone to explore the themes of innocence lost and the
emptiness of materialism.