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Reading Lolita in Tehran

by Azar Nafisi

Picture of Azar Nafisi

Azar Nafisi

^Introduction

^{Before I
introduce the two assignments for the novel – a journal and a 2- to
3-page paper – please note that the only book you are required to read
is Azar Nafisi’s}^{Reading Lolita in Tehran}^{.
That’s right: just
one novel.}^Lolita^{by Vladimir Nabakov
is an optional
supplement, which I hope Nafisi's book inspires you to read.}

^{Before you
begin, I'd
like you to check out a map of the country of Iran, so you can get a sense
of its neighbors and geographical location. Then check the map of the Middle East, and then come back here to the Introduction:}

^{Map
of Iran}

^{Map
of the Middle East}

^{Below I've
posted a brief history of Iran – not more than 3 pages – noting the horrific turmoil
the country has experienced and connections between Iran, on the one hand,
and the Western European nations and the United States, on the other.
After you begin reading the book and get curious, you can come back here
to check the site below.}

^{Brief
History}

^{As for the
book, Reading Lolita in Tehran is about a group of women who gather
on Thursday mornings to discuss literature.}

^{I can hear
you groan. A book that is basically about English 227, Cerritos
College's Readings in Literature class? Where's the conflict?
Where's the drama in that? Consider what Nafisi says in her
"Author's Note" at the beginning of the book: she has made
"every effort to protect friends and students, baptizing them with
new names..., changing and interchanging facets of their
lives..." That's right. Gathering to discuss literature
in Tehran, Iran, is dangerous. Very dangerous. I hope you
enjoy the drama.}

^{I will be
updating this site periodically, as I come across new resources or ideas
for themes about which to write.}