Team Melli Jersey

The Team Melli Jersey that Sohrab gifts Darius symbolizes Iranian nationalism. Darius feels most like a true Persian while wearing the same jersey donned by the Iranian national soccer team. He rarely takes the jersey off after receiving it to maintain the sense of belonging it provides.

Tea

Tea represents connectivity in Darius the Great is Not Okay. The hot beverage soothes Iranian characters in the novel as they converse. Many of the most significant conversations that occur throughout the story take place over a cup of tea. The process of brewing Persian tea is also an important ritual that denotes Persian membership in the text. Darius’ love for tea and his ability to make Persian tea signify a strong connection to his Iranian identity, one that Laleh lacks.

Darius the Great

The historic figure of Darius the Great symbolizes inferiority in the novel...