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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the class strive to do in their study of literature?

2. Who was Nafisi's father?

3. In Chapter 20, Nafisi tells a story about what event that happened to Manna and Nima?

4. What happens to the class after they read "Madame Bovary"?

5. What object becomes popular in Iran?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the relationship between the imaginary rain shower and the meeting of Nafisi's class?

2. In Chapter 2, why does Nafisi describe the first meeting of the study group in present tense instead of past tense?

3. According to Vera Nabokov, what is the beauty in "Lolita" and why is it missed by critics?

4. Why does Nafisi believe the scene where Humbert picked up Lolita at summer camp is the heart of Nabokov's novel?

5. What is the purpose of the dreams that Nafisi describes?

6. What is the similarity between Lolita's past and the past of Nafisi's students?

7. What is the significance of the green gate Nafisi mentions in Chapter 9?

8. What does the magician do with the photographs Nafisi shows him?

9. Why do Nafisi and her students feel so strongly about Nabokov and his works?

10. How does the Iranian regime expect women to behave on the streets of Tehran?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Nafisi presents several male students as passionate about the values of the Islamist Republic of Iran. In what ways are Mr. Bahri, Mr. Nyazi, and Mr. Ghomi similar? In what ways are they different? Which one of those students is portrayed as being in closest agreement with the regime? What evidence supports your choice?

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the memoir, Nafisi returns to the issue of wearing the veil. Write an essay that addresses Nafisi's feelings about the veil. What does the veil represent for Nafisi personally? What does it represent for her professionally? How is the veil used as a symbol in this book?

Essay Topic 3

Nafisi is the narrator for the actions of herself, the regime, and her students throughout the book. What would a credible witness say about the actions of a totalitarian regime? Is Nafisi a credible reporter? Is her credibility complete or does it have obvious biases that challenge her credibility? Does her credibility remain the same throughout the book? What evidence within the book supports your claims?

(see the answer keys)

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