Answer: The message of ‘Reading Lolita in Tehran’ revolves around the power of literature to transcend and challenge the oppressive boundaries of society.
The book, written by Azar Nafisi, captures her experiences teaching Western literature to a group of young women in post-revolutionary Iran. Through the intimate discussions of novels by authors like Nabokov and Austen, Nafisi illustrates how literature serves as a refuge and a source of empowerment amidst the restrictive environment imposed by the regime.
One of the central messages is the idea that literature can offer a lens through which to explore complex themes of freedom, identity, and resistance. Nafisi’s narrative reveals how these women navigate their realities and find solace and understanding through the stories they read, highlighting the significance of personal agency in the face of political and patriarchal oppression.
In essence, the book underscores that literature is not just a form of entertainment; it is a vital means of confronting reality, fostering critical thought, and nurturing hope even in the darkest of times.