A Perfect Day for Bananafish

Innocence is a reoccurring theme in J. D. Salinger’s work. How does Salinger develop this theme in “A Perfect Day for Bananafish”?

How does Salinger use imagery to convey the theme of experience versus innocence in “A Perfect Day for Bananafish?”

Seymour expresses symptoms of PTSD. How does Salinger use this to discuss themes of war?

How does Salinger’s language and narrative style set the story’s tone?

Muriel and Seymour have been married for five years. Explain how their relationship highlights themes of alienation.

While Seymour is kind and playful with Sybil, he is rude and combative to the woman in the elevator. What underlies Seymour’s differing behaviors in these two interactions? Is his behavior justified? Use the text to support your answer.

How do Seymour Glass from “A Perfect Day for Bananafish” and Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye compare? How are they similar and how do they differ? Compare and contrast their characters and why they behave the way they do.

“A Perfect Day for Bananafish” is set at a luxury Florida resort. Why do you think Salinger has chosen this setting? How would the story be impacted if the setting were to be changed to a cabin in the woods or at Muriel’s family’s home?