Discussion Question Answers – 118-142
The Passport – p. 118
1. What had become a bigger conflict than the war against Iraq? How does this manifest itself?
❖ The internal war: anyone who opposes the regime is being persecuted.
2. How long were the borders of Iran closed?
❖ 3 years, from 1980-1983
3. Give an example of irony on p 118.
❖ Since his son left the country, Marjane’s Uncle Taher has had 2 heart attacks and
continues to smoke. Smoking has proved to be a greater stress to him than the
violence.
4. What surprising philosophical comment does Marji make to her parents? What is your
reaction to her statement?
❖ That at 14 a child no longer needs her parents. (Her parents have commented that
Marji’s cousin, who is 14, is abroad, alone with no parents.
❖ Answers will vary.
5. How do Marji’s parents view their daughter’s defiance differently?
❖ That she is stubborn, but that this trait will help her later on.
6. What ominous news does the phone call bring?
❖ Uncle Tahir just suffered his third heart attack.
7. In front of the hospital, what request is made of the Iranian people? What is the double
meaning here?
❖ To give blood.
❖ Double meaning: donate blood for people who need it, and give blood for the country
by dying a martyr
8. Describe Marji’s reaction to the hospital experience?
❖ She feels angry and embarrassed.
9. What dilemma faces hospitalized patients because of the war?
❖ They are not able to leave the country to go abroad for better health care because of
the war. Marji’s uncle needs heart surgery, but the Iranian hospital is not equipped to
perform the surgery. He needs a permit to go to England.
10. How did the government delegate positions of power? Describe the encounter between
Marji’s aunt and the Minister of Health?
❖ Positions of power are given to anyone who fully adopts the beliefs of the regime.
❖ The Minister of Health wisas Marji’s aunt’s former window washer. All he had to do
to get a position of authority was grow a beard and put on a suit.
11. Where did many of the seriously wounded travel for treatment? Why is this ironic?
❖ To go to England, a western country. This confirms that the west, although
denigrated by the Iranian fundamentalists, has better health care.
12. Why is Marji’s aunt so angry at Dr. Fathi’s explanation of the war?
❖ He says he can’t treat her husband because they are busy treating victims of chemical
warfare.
