Prompt #3

                 Throughout the story Marjane experiences several things that affect her personality. As a child, Marjane, along with her fellow female classmates, were forced to wear a veil while in school. Then there was a law which forbade the existence of bilingual schools, separating schools into girls-only and boys-only; although wearing the veil didn't bother Marjane much, she didn't get to hang out with some of her friends as much after the prohibition of bilingual schools. These changes occurred after the "Cultural Revolution" took place. Perhaps the purpose of making the female students wear veils was more of a religious practice, as it was explained a women's hair releases rays which excite men, since schools were separated solely by gender. At around the age of 6, Marjane believed she would become the prohpet and make the world more bearable by breaking down the barriers of social status. Marjane's classmates laughed at her and her teacher believed she was a disturbing child for believing such a thing but this did not discourage her at all from pursuing her goal. Marjane's family lived the life of middle class people so Marjane gets to experience things other Iranian kids don't. For one, her family has a maid who has been around to raise Marji since she was a newborn. Mehri, the maid, was given away by her parents because they couldn't afford to feed her. Despite being able to live off of Marji's parents wealth, Mehri doesn't get to eat at the same table with them due to her status. Another example would be when she is being driven around by her father in his luxurious car, she sees plenty of others who don't have such luxury. She sees the difference between the lower class and the middle class families and shockingly it brings shame to her to compare the two. Then there are old people who suffer due to some sort of sickness because some can't afford the medical aid. Marji learns that her grandfather was a prince who believed people shouldn't be destined to a certain future based on their social status. The existence of social class is the very reason Marji is inspired to become the phophet.