Justin Patera

Dr. Cobos

E.L.A.

September 29, 2017

Blog week 1

Why does Marjane want to "make her past disappear" (194)? And how does this affect her development as a person? On page 195 Marjane says “I should say that at time, Iran was the epitome of evil and to be Iranian was a heavy burden to bear.” So part of the reason she may want her past to disappear is because being and saying she’s Iranian may paint a certain picture of her that she doesn’t want to be known by. She has just moved to Austria at this point and has the chance to start a new life especially since she is completely on her own and has no guardian of any sort really. Nothing around her is familiar, she is completely self dependent.

I also believe that part of the reason she wants it to disappear is so she can fit in and be like those around her. Making friends is a huge part of her life since her parents aren’t really in it so much anymore. She is trying to do so by being like others. For example: she cuts her hair and begins to do drugs with some of her friends. I don’t think she is ashamed of her country though. I think fitting in is all she is trying to do when she does all of these things and when she says certain things too.

There is proof in the text that she still loves her country. On page 197 in the cafe she gets tired of being talked about and snaps. She yells “ You are going to shut up or I am going to make you! I am Iranian and Proud of It!” I don’t think that she is ashamed but more rather lost and confused. At her age being away from her parents and taking control of her life isn’t the easiest thing and being in a different country doesn’t make that any easier.

Being apart from her parents has the biggest impact on her life and her decisions. Although they are not directly involved in most situations there absents affects Marjane a great deal.  When she moves she is own her own and every decision she makes, the consequence and outcome is on her. She has virtually no guidance in her early adulthood which eventually leads her to drugs and becoming a drug dealer. Part of the reason this is happening is that her parents aren’t there to help her so she has lost the feeling of set boundaries.