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Part 1) Does Marjane’s identity shift throughout the story? Cite passages that demonstrate this shift? Why do you think this shift occurs? Are there parts of Marjane’s identity that come from factors that she didn’t choose? What are some of these? 

"If i wanted to be friends with 14 year olds, i had to do it.I wasn't chicken so i followed them.  I had already broken the rules once by going to the demonstration in '79. This was the second time." (111) This is one of the first signs of a personality shift for Marjane i think. She doesn't want to be eft behind, and she wants to feel cool, so she follows those girls and skip class.  Another example is when Marjane was in the basement to "hideout" she takes one of her mom's cigarettes, lights it, and says "With this first cigarette, i kiss childhood goodbye."(117) I think most of the aspects of Marjane's personality were ones that she did not choose. Her passion for politics and demonstrations etc, was because her parents were that way. She had a slight natural deviance about her too. She mocked teachers, and made jokes about the regime.

Part 2) What parts of your identity come from factors you didn’t choose? 

I'm becoming more like my mom and sister everyday. I'm not blood related to anyone in my family, but personality traits rub off. My sister and i naturally have short fuses, but i've been becoming more patient without even knowing it because my mom is very patient.  I don't really think i've chosen any aspects of my personality honestly now that i think about it. I could try to change them, but it probably wouldn't work.

Have people you have known ever had a negative reaction to these factors? 

People tend to get on me sometimes for being quiet. I very rarely speak in classroom situations, because most of the time i'm not comfortable with anyone there. I guess i get in trouble too for my short fuse, and this problem where a lot of the time, that filter everyone has in their head that tells them "don't say that!" doesn't work.

How much control does someone have over their own identity?

I think it's a variable amount. If they want to control it, they very well can try to. If they don't care, then they obviously won't.