Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- Do you think Jean has changed by the end of the story? If so, how?
- Is the color blue important to the story? Other than the "blue period" described in the title, are there any other references to the color in the story? If so, add these to our idea of a "blue period"?
- At the beginning of the story we learn that Jean's parents were divorced when he was eight. Yet, Jean never mentions his biological father. What's going on with that? Does it connect with the idea of a "blue period"? (We realize there isn't much information to go on here, which means that Salinger is inviting us to use our imaginations.)
- Who is moaning in the night, M. Yamamoto, or Mme. Yamamoto, or both? Does the story give you any clues to help you figure this out? Why might be the cause of this moaning?
- Lots of pictures are discussed in the story. Did you like this, or find it boring? If you liked it, what are some of your favorite pictures?