“The Letter” and It’s Relation to Education

Although I do not read many comics, I found myself enjoying this one. In particular, My favorite chapter was definitely “The Letter”. Reason for my choice was ,because I found myself realizing that education seems a central theme in the book. You could even make a conclusion that education, or lack thereof, is the culprit of all the suffering and degression that took place during and after the Islamic revolution. For example, in the beginning chapter 5, “The Letter”, we learn from Marji that her maid, Mehri, fell in love with her neighbor’s son. Although she confesses to loving him, her low social status prevents her from ever being with him. This chapter highlights to Marji from her personal experience and readings of poor children, that she is different from other people economically.

In fact, there is this message across the entire book of how education is stigmatized in Iran. We see this in the divide between female and male students, where females have to wear veils to cover their hair. We see this in the abrupt switch from secular education to that of a religious one, where old books are burned. We see this in the way the Shah uses religion to remain in power. Even to the point where educated citizens, those with a secular education, are seen as a direct threat to the Shah order.

I see “The Letter ” as a pivotal chapter in Marji’s life where she realizes that her self-education is what’s giving her a sense of independence and freedom. She see’s all the problems Islam is facing, because as others immerse in religion and are blinded, she see’s everything holistically by immersing herself in different points of views and teachings.