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Questions and Answers

What changes occur in Iran in the chapter 'The Veil'?

School becomes co-educational

Students are encouraged to speak freely

Dress code is relaxed

The veil becomes obligatory in schools (correct)

How does Marji feel about religion?

Marji feels religion is, in essence, herself and believes she is the prophet.

How is the revolution like a bicycle?

The revolution is like a bicycle because it will fall if the wheels don't turn, meaning participation is essential.

Who does Marji admire during her revolutionary phase?

Marji admires Fidel Castro, God, Marx, and other revolutionaries. Signup and view all the answers

What happens at the Rex Theater and why is it important?

The Rex Theater was burned down with people trapped inside, which marked the beginning acts of aggression during the revolution. Signup and view all the answers

Explain '2500 years of tyranny and submission'.

'2500 years of tyranny and submission' refers to the oppressive rulers and invasions Iran faced over centuries. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Marji love the king?

Marji loves the king because she believes he was chosen by God. Signup and view all the answers

What explanation does her father give for how the current king attained his position?

Her father explains that the Shah's father orchestrated a coup to become emperor. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Marji's grandfather and how was he treated in prison?

Her grandfather was the prime minister and was treated poorly, sometimes placed in a cell filled with water. Signup and view all the answers

What was the only food available to Persepolis's grandmother?

The only food available was bread. Signup and view all the answers

What does Marji's father take pictures of and why is this dangerous?

He takes photos of ongoing demonstrations, which is dangerous because it is strictly forbidden and can lead to violence. Signup and view all the answers

What does Marji do when confused about adult reactions?

She reflects on them and goes along with what the adults are doing, such as laughing or crying. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Marji feel shame in 'The Letter' chapter?

She feels shame for having written love letters without considering social class differences. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Mehri and what relation does she have with Marji?

Mehri is Marji's maid/babysitter, and she has a close, sister-like relationship with Marji. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Mehri's flirtation with the neighbor not allowed?

It's not allowed because she is a maid and must remain within her social class. Signup and view all the answers

How does Marji respond to Mehri's punishment?

She responds dramatically, confused about why social class matters. Signup and view all the answers

What happened on Black Friday?

Many were killed due to the rumor that Israeli soldiers were responsible for the slaughter. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the Shah at the end of his reign?

The Shah's reign ends, and he departs as he aims for democracy but is rejected by the people. Signup and view all the answers

Describe some contradictions Marji faces after the fall of the Shah.

Marji is ordered to rip out pictures of the Shah, despite previously being taught he was chosen by God. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Ramin? What happens when Marji tries to avenge his father's actions?

Ramin is the son of a man in the Savak, and he tells Marji that his father killed communists. Signup and view all the answers

What were Siamak Jari and Moshen Shakiba arrested for?

Siamak was arrested for writing subversive articles, and Moshen for revolutionary actions. Signup and view all the answers

How does Marji upset Siamak's daughter? How does she respond?

Marji upsets her by revealing her father is dead, but she later tries to play with her. Signup and view all the answers

How do Marji's torture games end?

They end with Marji feeling overwhelmed while contemplating forgiveness. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Anoosh?

Anoosh is Marji's uncle who was jailed for nine years for being a spy. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Fereydoon?

Fereydoon was imprisoned after electing himself minister of a 'new little republic'. Signup and view all the answers

Where does Anoosh go for safety, and what happens?

Anoosh goes to his parents' house for safety but later is imprisoned. Signup and view all the answers

How does religion factor into the revolution?

Religion forms political discussions and reveals the leaders' lack of governance skills. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Marji's father want the family to stay in Iran?

Because they could potentially face poverty if they leave. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Moshen and Siamak's sister?

Moshen is found dead in his bathtub, possibly murdered, and Siamak's sister was executed. Signup and view all the answers

Why is this chapter called 'The Sheep'?

This chapter is called 'The Sheep' because Siamak's family was hiding among sheep. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Anoosh?

Anoosh is arrested again and later executed. Signup and view all the answers

How does Marji respond when Anoosh is killed?

Marji yells at God and feels lost, becoming depressed. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the American embassy occupied?

It is occupied by students taking Americans hostage. Signup and view all the answers

Why do the universities close, and for how long?

They close to revise school books for two years to prevent teaching future imperialists. Signup and view all the answers

What other changes take place during the revolution?

The veil becomes obligatory everywhere. Signup and view all the answers

Where does Marji's family go on vacation?

They go to Italy and Spain. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Paradisse?

Paradisse is Marji's friend whose father died during the bombing of Baghdad. Signup and view all the answers

How does Iran retaliate after Iraq bombs Tehran?

Iran retaliates by attacking Baghdad. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Mali and why does her family move in with Marji?

Mali is Marji's mother's childhood friend who fled from Iraqi missiles. Signup and view all the answers

Why is this chapter called 'The Jewels'?

It is called 'The Jewels' because jewelry is all that is salvaged from Mali's house. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the conflict in the grocery store with Mali.

Two women complain they have nothing to eat, and the refugees are viewed negatively. Signup and view all the answers

How is Marji expected to mourn the martyrs at school?

She is expected to beat their breasts during funeral marches. Signup and view all the answers

How do the families react to changes at Marji's school?

They react angrily, believing their children should not have to beat themselves. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of the key given to boys going to war.

The key symbolizes a ticket to heaven for those who die in battle. Signup and view all the answers

What changes occur in Marji's home after the bombings?

Masking tape covers windows, and black curtains are put up. Signup and view all the answers

What happens with the wine?

The wine and all alcohol are flushed down the toilet. Signup and view all the answers

What does Marji do when she skips school?

She climbs a wall to a burger place and interacts with some guys. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the survival of the regime depend on the war?

The war helps retain political power in the country. Signup and view all the answers

When does Marji declare she is an adult?

After she smokes her first cigarette. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Uncle Taher need a passport?

He needs it to go to England for heart surgery. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Niloufar?

Niloufar is an 18-year-old communist who is in hiding. Signup and view all the answers

Where do Marji's parents vacation?

They vacation in Turkey. Signup and view all the answers

What happens on Ghandi Avenue?

Marji is stopped by the Guardians of the Revolution while attempting to buy tapes. Signup and view all the answers

How does Marji defend herself when questioned?

She lies and fabricates a story to avoid the truth. Signup and view all the answers

Who are the Baba-Levys?

They are Marji's neighbors and one of the last Jewish families who remained after the revolution. Signup and view all the answers

What happens with the war and Marji's family in the basement?

Scuds, or Iraqi missiles, lead Marji's family to stop retreating to the basement. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Marji's family remain in Tehran despite the bombing?

They believe that Marji's French education is connected to their future. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the bombing in Marji's neighborhood.

It occurs while Marji is away, affecting her neighbors, particularly the Baba-Levys. Signup and view all the answers

How does Marji change after Neda's death?

She becomes a rebel, no longer scared of anything. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Marji expelled from school?

She is expelled after hitting the principal during a confrontation. Signup and view all the answers

Explain why this chapter is called 'The Dowry'.

It refers to what is paid to the girl upon marriage, and if she dies, her family receives it. Signup and view all the answers

Where does Marji's family send her to school?

They send her to Austria for school. Signup and view all the answers

How do Marji's parents react at the airport?

They are emotional, with her mother appearing to faint. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Veil

The Islamic Revolution begins in Iran (1979), resulting in mandatory veiling for schoolgirls (1980).
Marji faces the impact of these changes by being restricted from socializing with male friends and struggles to understand the need for the veil.
Religion is central to Marji's identity; she perceives herself as a prophet promoting purity.

The Bicycle

The revolution is likened to a bicycle; if participation ceases, the revolution collapses.
Marji idolizes figures such as Fidel Castro and Marx during her initial revolutionary fervor.
The Rex Theater tragedy, where many perish trapped inside during a police attack, marks an early act of violence in the revolution.

The Water Cell

Marji admires the king, believing he is divinely appointed, but her parents clarify the disconnect between God and the monarchy.
Marji learns that the current Shah’s rise to power involved a coup led by his father against the previous emperor.
Her grandfather, a former prime minister, suffered severe mistreatment in prison, sometimes confined in a water-filled cell.

Persepolis

Marji's grandmother struggled during hardships, having only bread available as sustenance.
Her father captures photos of protests, risking severe consequences due to governmental restrictions.
Marji processes adult emotions by mimicking their reactions, seeking understanding without fully grasping the reason for their feelings.

The Letter

Marji feels conflicted over social class differences, particularly regarding her maid Mehri's unreciprocated love for a neighbor.
Mehri, treated like a sister by Marji, faces strict societal limitations because of her class.
When Mehri is punished, Marji questions the social hierarchy, feeling guilty and confused.

The Party

Black Friday sees widespread violence and fatalities fueled by rumors implicating Israeli soldiers, leading to further massacres.
The Shah's departure marks the beginning of political upheaval as he attempts to achieve democracy amidst public discontent.

The Heroes

Siamak Jari is arrested for his subversive writings; Moshen Shakiba faces imprisonment for revolutionary activities.
Marji causes distress to Siamak’s daughter by revealing her father's fate, leading to an awkward attempt at friendship afterward.
Marji grapples with complex emotions related to forgiveness amidst games reflecting torture.

Moscow

Anoosh, Marji's uncle, was imprisoned for espionage yet withheld this from Marji.
Fereydoon, Anoosh's uncle, had a tumultuous political career and is remembered through the legacy left by his girlfriend.

The Sheep

Religion complicates the revolution, as clerics fail to govern effectively.
Marji's father fears poverty under Islamic governance, motivating their decision to stay in Tehran.
The chapter title refers to Siamak’s family hiding for safety, alluding to the chaos of the time.

The Trip

The American embassy is seized, thwarting Marji's plans to visit a friend in the U.S.
Universities are shut down for two years to revise curricula against perceived imperialist teachings.
Marji's family travels to Italy and Spain, preempting impending restrictions and reflecting urgency in their holiday plans.

The F-14s

Marji's friend Paradisse experiences loss when her father dies from a bombing.
Iran responds to bombardment by retaliating against Baghdad.

The Jewels

Mali, a family friend, moves in with Marji during turmoil following missile strikes.
The chapter’s title symbolizes the only valuables salvaged from Mali's home after destruction.

The Key

Students at Marji's school are required to mourn fallen martyrs through ritual acts.
Families express outrage over changes, advocating for children's right to play devoid of mourning impositions.
Keys symbolizing entry to heaven are given to soldiers, highlighting religious and militaristic ideologies.

The Wine

Marji’s household enacts safety measures like masking tape on windows due to air raids.
All alcohol is destroyed preemptively to protect family from punitive actions during house searches.

The Cigarette

Marji's rebellious act of skipping school culminates in a brief interaction with older boys.
The regime's dependence on war is rooted in maintaining political power amidst internal upheaval.

The Passport

Uncle Taher needs a passport for urgent health care but faces bureaucratic hurdles.
Niloufar, a young communist, is in hiding while Khorso navigates the dangers of passport fabrication.

Kim Wilde

Marji’s excitement over her parents’ vacation to Turkey is rooted in cultural allure.
An encounter with the Guardians of the Revolution halts her plans to purchase music.

The Sabbat

The Baba-Levys, Marji's Jewish neighbors, are depicted amid the destruction of war.
The family avoids the basement as Iraqi missiles threaten their home life.
Marji learns of the Baba-Levys' fate through devastating finds after a bombing incident.

The Dowry

Neda's death catalyzes Marji’s transformation into a defiant figure, marked by her newfound boldness.
Marji gets expelled after confronting authority over a personal conflict, reflecting her rebellion.
The chapter title relates to the cultural practice surrounding marriage, emphasizing the price of life and death.

Final Note

Marji's parents send her to Austria for schooling, driven by aspirations for her future education, revealing protective yet anxious parental instincts as they grapple with her departure.

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