inquisitive, curious-driven, tumultuous political landscape (yanna)

generational gap as seen when Marji’s parents do not allow her to join demonstrations (Bea)

gender: the veils of women (yanna)

class: the neighbor's son stopped seeing Mehri once he knew she was a maid

coping mechanism, showing aspiration to seek for normalcy

Traumatic, at least in terms of enduring wounds that would last her a lifetime. A best instance to describe this could be Marji's personal beliefs in God being challenged because of her guilt and desire to conform to dominant norms (9).

many families were forced to rely on their children's labor to survive (Jasmin)

just like others, Marji's childhood is a coming-of-age evolutionary process, showcasing the complex establishment of her identity

the regression of Marji's childish dreams and strict adherence to beliefs and regulations taught at school leading her to think more critically not just about the situation in Iran but also on the general state of things around her. In the beginning, she believed wholeheartedly in whatever she was taught at school. As the story progressed, she begins to think more for herself instead of following what she grew up being made to think. (Annie)

boys from the upper class seem to be exempted from partaking in violent warfare

Shows Marji’s struggle to reconcile fundamentalist views with her family’s progressive uprbinging on her (Luis)

Exploiting the poor by enticing them with the "greatness" of martyrdom, only to send them on the front lines where they inevitably meet their demise. (Lizeth)

she became politically aware at such a young age (Jasmin)

Acts of rebellion against oppressive impositions such as resisting the initiation rites by a figure of authority that forces them to physically mourn the martyrs (p. 97)

this practice further reinforces traditional gender roles and societal expectations, contributing to the perpetuation of gender-based inequalities

Marji and her friends playing as revolutionary heroes in their garden shows how children express dissent towards authorities

There is the notion of making sense with things that they do not understand, even in whimsical ways of imagination. Some try to break free from this new oppression, some imagine it to be something else. (Basti)

gets her exposed to the differing perspectives and influences propagated by society (Martin) board3

A time of curious inquiry and self-discovery through play and creative imagination (Catherine)

Assumption, identification, and negotiation of prevalent/complex social roles and identities through play (Catherine)

Exemplifies how what is "good" or "righteous" does not depend on any set rules. Instead it is more or less determined by collective opinion, or what is put forth by those in power. (MJ)

Marji was, in her own words, forced to grow up quickly in order to acknowledge the conflict around her. Even some of her "childish" or rebellious behavior may be interpreted as a way to cope with the horrors of war (Wil).

Disillusionment with what she previously knew as she began to think for herself after Anoosh's death. (MJ)

Marji was only able to escape because of her parents' resources. Not everyone in Iran has those same type of resources. (MJ)

(Marji goes to Austria)

the forced loss of "naivety" in childhood and finding a balance between that and the maturity required to understand, navigate, and act upon such extreme life-altering experiences (Z)

creation of child soldiers and hinders/fully stops the development of a moral compass (Z)

further enforces the physical/material excuse for a chance for an abuse of power; "Well, what was she wearing?" propaganda (Z)

came from a relatively progressive and educated family as seen on how the parents would encourage Marji to value education and stand up against oppressive political regimes (Bea) Link Title

The transition from Marji's personal dream of becoming a prophet to embracing revolutionary engagement signifies a nuanced struggle for autonomy influenced by the political environment.