Introduction

1. Based on the introduction, how does the author characterize the cuntry of Iran? ​CITE
EVIDENCE​ from the text to support your response.
a. Iran can be characterized as a strong nation. “Yet the Persian language and
culture withstood these invasions. The invaders assimiliated into this strong
culture.”
2. Interpret the meaning of the following line: “Since then, this old and great civilization has
been discussed mostly in connection with fundamentalism, fanaticism, and terrorism.”
a. Because of its history, Iran has been seen and described as such (fundamental,
fanaticism, and terrorism. People view it by what the media tells them basically).
3. Based on the introduction, what is the author’s purpose in writing this novel?
a. To inform readers about growing up in Iran during the Iranian Revolution. She
also doesn’t want history to be forgotten.

“The Veil” Comprehension and Analysis

1. List at least two changes that happened in Iran after the Islamic Revolution.
a. Veils are enforced
b. Bilingual schools are closed
c. Schools are separated by gender
2. What changes does the speaker’s mother make to her appearance after being
photographed by a journalist? Why might she make these changes?
a. She dyes her hair and wears dark glasses. She does not want to be persecuted
for protesting.
3. Give a synonym for the word ​avant-garde (​ pg. 6)
a. Liberal, progressive, advanced, modern
4. What is the speaker’s religious identity?
a. Marjane follows Zoroastrianism and believes she is a prophet
5. What is the speaker’s attitude toward the decision to make the veil obligatory for all
women to wear?
a. Conflicted- she didn’t understand why it was enforced, but she’s also very
religious

Characterization

Based on the first vignette “The Veil”, complete the following characterization chart about the
speaker, Marjane. In Column 1, write a character trait (adjective) that describes the speaker; in
Column 2, provide a quotation from the text that supports your chosen character trait.
 Character Trait Evidence

Example: Ambitious Example: “I wanted to be a prophet…” (pg. 6)

Religious “I was born with religion. At the age of six I

was already sure I was the last prophet.”

Caring/Thoughtful “Rule number eight: no old person should

have to suffer.”

Confused “I really didn’t know what to think about the

veil. Deep down I was very religious but as a
family we were very modern and
avant-garde.”

Task #4: Critical Thinking

In “The Veil”, the speaker is force to follow rules that she doesn’t believe in. Write about a time
you have been forced to follow rules you didn’t believe in. Did you comply or rebel? What were
the consequences (advantages and disadvantages) of your choice? Explain the situation in 4-5
sentences.

What if I don’t have one? What if I can’t think of anything? I pretty much do what I’m told,
even if I procrastinate. What if I write down 4-5 sentences of me not omcing up with an idea?
Please don’t take points off for me doing what I’m told. Please.