The picture of the Ayatollah

The picture of the Ayatollah symbolizes the ever-watching eye of the government. Like in 1984, the government is always watching. Sahar imagines that the Ayatollah is watching her and Nasrin while they kiss. His eyes are silently judging her.

The Wedding Dress

Nasrin and Mrs. Mehdi argue about which wedding dress to buy just like most mother-daughter pairs. In this book, the wedding dress takes on a deeper significance. They are not just arguing about a dress; they are arguing about Nasrin's way of life. Mrs. Mehdi does not approve and Nasrin does not care.

Pulling on Hair

When Nasrin pulls on Sahar's hair, it symbolizes ownership. Nasrin lovingly pulls on Sahar's hair from time to time. There is not any real pain involved. The first time was when they were both 6 years old. That, Sahar tells the reader, is when she fell...