week #3

Week #3

I think that what happens in the chapter The Heroes has a huge impact on Marjanes life. After Marjane hears all the violent stories that Siamak and Mohsen share of how they were tortured. I also think that this experience has made her mature in a way. To be more specific I think when Marjane hears how Ahmadi was tortured, whipped, burned, and finally cut into pieces it really disturbs her. Moreover, I also sense some envy by Marjane towards Laly because her father was considered a hero. For example on page 52 on the bottom left Laly is standing big and tall in front of tiny Marjane. I think this picture says a lot more than “Maybe, but my father is a hero” says Laly. I think that this is how Laly is making her feel (tiny). To get back to the theme, I think that the stories that she heard had a negative impact on her. For example on page 53, where she is playing with her friends after the torture stories she talks about playing games like mustache on fire,the twisted arm, and mouth filled with garbage. She even goes as far as saying “Back home that evening, I had the diabolical feeling of power.” I believe that after she hears the cruel stories she thinks of the torture games to play on her friends.

 Moreover, I also think that Anoosh Marjanes uncle is really important character in Marjanes life. In the following chapter Marjane says “So my father was not a hero…If only he had been in prison.” There’s also a picture of her telling her friends lies about her father being tortured. She seems to take pride instantly as she learns that uncle Anoosh has been in prison. He later shares his life story with her. He tells her how ran from the Shah, later to be imprisoned for 9 years, and lastly he told her about his failed marriage and kids he had. In addition, later in that same chapter uncle Anoosh says to Marjane “I tell you all this because it’s important that you know. Our family memory must not be lost. Even If it’s not easy for you, even if you don’t understand it all.”  This quote really intrigued me because from what I can tell he realizes that Marjane is still a child but it’s almost as he chooses to tell her all this stories so it’s not forgotten or people like him are not forgotten. I think that uncle Annosh is a very important character to the story because Marjane sees him like a hero. When uncle Anoosh is arrested and later executed Marajne feels really sad and lost. I think that Anoosh was big support and living prove of what Marjane believes in. after he is executed I think that she is angry and she shuts everyone out of her life including God. Lastly I’ve been trying to make sense of the meaning of the swan made out of bread. He gives her one when they meet and the last one in the prison visit. Is the swan supposed to represent some kind of symbolism? If so what?