Franny has difficulty enjoying her life because she is too concerned with her surroundings. He says to her, “You don’t just despise what they represent – you despise them.

This makes following Zooey and Seymour’s advice challenging because one cannot do their best and do what makes them happy, if they are being affected by the actions and decisions of others.Zooey scolds Franny for letting this control her life. Humans are constantly worried about things and situations that they cannot control. Franny wishes she was content enough with herself to be able to live what ever way she wants.Īnother aspect of human nature that makes following Zooey’s advice difficult is the tendency for humans to take things that don’t involve them, personally. Franny realizes this as well, when she remarks “I’m sick of not having the courage to be an absolute nobody. This need for approval derives from the lack of confidence and presence of insecurities that are also apparent in human nature. This is highlighted in a quote from Marcus Aurelius that says, “You have the right to work, but for the work’s sake only…Desire for the fruits of work must never be your motive in working. She should be following the advice of Seymour and Zooey, and doing things to impress herself, not to impress others. Franny realizes that this desire for other people to praise her is unhealthy. She says to Lane, “just because I like applause and people to rave about me, doesn’t make it right. For example, Franny believes that all actors and actresses, including herself, only perform for applause. advises against seeking a reaction from other people, however it is natural for all humans to want to do so. Accomplishing something is significantly more rewarding when receiving praise from peers. is much more difficult than it seems.Įveryone thrives off of approval from others. Because of human nature’s need for approval, presence of emotions and ego, “Doing it for the Fat Lady. As encouraging as that sounds, this advice is much easier said than done. advice states that one should still put their best foot forward for it. Although society is an unpleasant and ugly thing, the “Fat Lady. represents society, as society can be very ugly and toxic to a person’s well being. Although Seymour’s advice advice is extremely positive and powerful, it is expressed through the image of a lonely, sick, unhappy Fat Lady. This also means that one should only have to live up to their own expectations, and should be satisfied with themselves regardless of what others think. means that one should put their best effort into everything even if it will not be recognized or rewarded. The advice of “doing it for the Fat Lady. originally said by their deceased brother Seymour. At the conclusion of J.D Salinger’s novel Franny and Zooey, Zooey Glass reiterates some motivational advice about the “Fat Lady.

Salinger franny and zooey