Background Info
What does Daniel make sure the reader knows about his memories?
They are patchwork.
Also acceptable: There are things he does not remember or that he heard about secondhand.
What literary work is frequently referenced in Daniel Nayeri's novel?
1,001 Nights
What is one motif expressed in the novel?
Possible answers:
Love, violence, racism, culture, refugees, immigration, storytelling, etc.
Where was Daniel Nayeri born
Iran
What is Daniel's mother's name?
Sima
What is one aspect of taroff?
- Politely Declining and Offering things
- Humility, Politeness, Hospitality
What type of written work is Everything Sad Is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri?
It is a memoir.
Also acceptable: Autobiography
Where is the novel primarily based?
Oklahoma, United States
What did Daniel do to try and fit into American society
Watched classic American movies and shows
Ray (Rahim)
Give two ways in which Christians were persecuted in Iran that Daniel depicts in his novel.
- Arrests
- Imprisonment
- Death penalty
- Harassment
How does Daniel Nayeri compare himself to Scheherazade from "1001 Nights"?
He sees himself as Scheherazade, telling stories to keep his audience entertained and himself alive, much like Scheherazade did with the king.
What religion does Daniel and his family believe in?
Christianity
What organization did Daniel Nayeri complete an interview for? (Think about the one we listened to in class.)
NPR - National Public Radio
What religion does Daniel's stepdad follow?
Christianity
Possible answers:
- Dina and the door slam
- Sima having to go back to school
- Name calling
- Cultural misconceptions
- Downplaying/not believing lived experiences
In what way does Daniel Nayeri's narrative style mirror Scheherazade's storytelling technique?
Both authors employ repetition and split stories into multiple parts, leaving them unfinished at times, allowing for continued interest from the reader.
Why did Daniel and his family flee to the United States?
They were persecuted by Iranian officials who discriminated against Christians.
How old was Daniel before he had to flee Iran?
He was 8
What is Daniel's sister's name?
Dina