Discussion Question 3

[Amy]

3. Early in the novel Behrani buys himself a hat, which he says gives him "the appearance of a man with a sense of humor about living, a man who is capable to live life for the living of it" [p. 28]. Why is this a poignant thing for Behrani to wish for himself? Does he in fact take life too seriously?

[Amy]

He absolutely takes life too seriously, and it was a poignant moment. He felt so pleased with himself trying to be "happy" and "carefree." It made me feel sorry for him. I felt the culture he came from made him a very serious man.

[Amy]

Good point! I hadn't thought much of it when I read it, but I think it's interesting that he would be concerned about what people thought of him in this way. Especially that he would be concerned about people seeing him in a humorous light! Especially interesting because he WAS so serious!