Part 1: Chapter 16 Summary

Nafisi shares a forbidden ham sandwich with a male acquaintance, who she refers to as "my magician." They reflect on how the Islamic Republic has made ordinary endeavors into exciting secret missions, such as a ham sandwich, parties, ice cream, and foreign films.

The magician thought that he could discern a person's character by looking at their photo. After examining photos of the students he pronounced them "fine people," but refused to meet with them as he was trying to minimize contact with people.

Part 1: Chapter 16 Analysis

Nafisi cryptically introduces the "magician." He is a bearer of forbidden pleasures but he must refuse to meet with the students. There is a hint of fear and pain in this refusal. From their photos, he pronounces the students "fine people." The Islamic authorities would certainly come to a more negative judgment from these...