How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Panel)
Quote #1
My uncle was the vintner. He had built a genuine wine-making lab in his basement. (14.19)
Making wine in a basement in Iran is like smuggling liquor into the U.S. during Prohibition. The consequences of being caught would be severe. But what kind of party would it be without wine? The government doesn't allow people to party anyway, so you might as well add forbidden wine to the mix.
Quote #2
In Iran, at parties, everyone would dance and eat. In Vienna, people preferred to lie around and smoke. (23.42)
Marjane forgets to mention that people in Iran also like to drink, but there's still a contrast between the two. Iranians get more social at parties when they drink, but in Vienna, people instead get stoned and become more isolated. Well, or they pair off and go have sex in dark corners.
Quote #3
"I don't believe it. You… You… You're stoned!" (23.59)
Marjane gets stoned at Julie's party, the first night she sees a naked woman and a naked man. The drugs are a big part in Marjane's "liberation." We have to wonder if she'd have been as relaxed toward sex as she is, having come from such an oppressive culture in Iran, if she were totally sober.