How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Panel)
Quote #1
Then came 1980: the year it became obligatory to wear the veil at school. (1.4)
One thing that's important to note is that only women wear the veil. The boys' clothes change, but they're never as restrictive as a veil. Couldn't they at least make the boys wear a propeller beanie or something?
Quote #2
I wanted to be an educated, liberated woman. And if the pursuit of knowledge meant getting cancer, so be it. (10.14)
Marji really wants to be independent, even if—like Marie Curie —she does so at the expense of her health. As we've said a few times, freedom always comes at a price, even if we're talking about the freedom that comes with gender equality.
Quote #3
"They insulted me. They said that women like me should be pushed up against a wall and f***ed and then thrown in the garbage." (10.19)
This traumatic experience happens to Marji's mother because she's not wearing a veil. Iran decides to let the rapists win—instead of punishing these men, their solution is to repress women further, and make them all veil their bodies. By doing this, they are also saying that all men are rapists who cannot control their urges. Neither sex wins when this attitude prevails.