Marjane and change

She goes from a prophet to revolutionist during her childhood. In other words, a little girl with big ideas of how she should be perceived and the influences around her shaping her. Molding her future. Her desire to help the people of her country started at such a young age, and the events around her, occurring in Iran, and all over the world start to have a profound affect on her. When her parents do not allow her, rightfully so, to join her at a demonstration, she becomes quite upset, crying to God.

Another important changing event happened the night her father was out taking photos of the days revolutionary actions. When he did not come home when he was expected to, her family was in a state of worry and confusion. Marjane thought the worst had happened, that he had died. When he eventually came home her determination increased.

One of the most significant events in the book, one that shapes Marjane for years to come, was the day she met her uncle Anoosh (54). His impact as an influence is seen almost immediately. She has found her hero. Someone she may boast about to her friend. Most importantly, someone that implants a deeper feeling of freedom for her country. The romantic idea of doing what is right, against all odds, becomes embedded in her the night Anoosh tells Marjane the story of his escape into Russia (57), and of his friend Fereydoon and his girlfriend. Marjane is indeed changed because it increases her determination, and her rebellious nature.

When Anoosh is captured and then executed, Marjane banishes God from her life, telling him to never return. A huge change in her, losing her faith, and her uncle in one night (70). You never again hear or see any reference to God for the rest of the book.

Another very potent life changing segment in the book is when Marjane plays hooky from school with two older girls. When she returns home, her mother, who is waiting for her, questions her about her school day, and Marjane lies to her mother and gets caught in the lie, her mother verbally chastises her. And soon after she hears on the radio the, about the army retaking a city. Her mother casts doubt upon the significance of that event, saying, "Even if it's true, what difference does it make to us" (114), insinuating that there is nothing to celebrate. So Marjane, heads to her hideaway, the basement. And there she reflects on the war, and in the process, smokes a cigarette for the first time. Thereby losing her innocence as a child, and transforming into an adult. In essence, the war and the cigarette are symbolic of the most significant change any one of us undertakes, the realization that life is incredibly hard, and that we all must grow up and deal with it.