Prisoner of Tehran: Journal Response #1
1. Chapter one begins with Marina’s safe arrival at Pearson Airport in 1991 and
describes her life in Canada but ends with a conversation from 2005 between
Marina and a fellow prisoner of Evin, “A few weeks later, she told me she didn’t
want to talk to me anymore; she didn’t want to remember (…) I understood and
didn’t argue. She had made her choice – and I had made mine”(Nemat 4). Discuss
why you believe Nemat chooses to begin the memoir and chapter as she arrives in
Canada, but ends the chapter with this quote just before publishing the novel.
2. Marina establishes herself as a very relatable character in the beginning of the
novel. Discuss how you are able to relate to Marina with an example. Why is it
necessary for the reader to relate to Marina?
3. How does Marina contrast her relationship with her Grandma to her relationship
with her Mother? Provide a quote from each relationship to prove this contrast.
Why do you think she begins the novel with this use of contrast?
4. Chapter to chapter the story alternates from Marina’s childhood to her life in Evin.
Why do you think Nemat chose to structure her novel in this way? Do you think this
style of writing is effective?
5. In chapter five Marina establishes her close relationship to books through the
character of Albert. What do think books might symbolize in the novel and possibly
foreshadow. Provide an example for proof.
Prisoner of Tehran: Journal Response #1
1. Chapter one begins with Marina’s safe arrival at Pearson Airport in 1991 and
describes her life in Canada but ends with a conversation from 2005 between
Marina and a fellow prisoner of Evin, “A few weeks later, she told me she didn’t
want to talk to me anymore; she didn’t want to remember (…) I understood and
didn’t argue. She had made her choice – and I had made mine”(Nemat 4). Discuss
why you believe Nemat chooses to begin the memoir and chapter as she arrives in
Canada, but ends the chapter with this quote just before publishing the novel.
2. Marina establishes herself as a very relatable character in the beginning of the
novel. Discuss how you are able to relate to Marina with an example. Why is it
necessary for the reader to relate to Marina?
3. How does Marina contrast her relationship with her Grandma to her relationship
with her Mother? Provide a quote from each relationship to prove this contrast.
Why do you think she begins the novel with this use of contrast?
4. Chapter to chapter the story alternates from Marina’s childhood to her life in Evin.
Why do you think Nemat chose to structure her novel in this way? Do you think this
style of writing is effective?
5. In chapter five Marina establishes her close relationship to books through the
character of Albert. What do think books might symbolize in the novel and possibly
foreshadow. Provide an example for proof.