Teddy

How do you interpret the ambiguous ending, and why? Use textual evidence to support your answer.

Much of the story is Teddy and Nicholson’s philosophical discussion. Why do you think Salinger employs dialogue instead of action to create tension?

The story takes place on an ocean liner over a short period of time. What effect does this produce? Why do you think Salinger structures the story this way?

Although originally published as a standalone story, “Teddy” was later included in a collection. Why do you think Salinger placed “Teddy” as the last story in this collection? Does this placement change “Teddy” itself? How so?

Much of Salinger’s writing was influenced by his experience in World War II. Although “Teddy” is not explicitly a war story, where in “Teddy” do you see this influence?

Why do you think Salinger chose a child protagonist to discuss philosophies surrounding death and reincarnation? How would the story change if Teddy were a teenager or an adult?

What motivates Bob Nicholson to speak to Teddy for so long? Use textual evidence to support your answer.

Are there other characters who possess Teddy’s ability to predict the future or desire to achieve spiritual enlightenment? If so, use textual evidence to support your answer. If not, what literary devices does Salinger use to depict Teddy as the only character with these qualities?