In Azar Nafisi's memoir, "Reading Lolita in Tehran," she explores how fairy tales hold the power to transcend the constraints of reality. These stories provide an escape and a sense of freedom, allowing readers to envision lives beyond their current circumstances. Nafisi suggests that fairy tales inspire individuals to imagine possibilities that their everyday lives may not offer, granting them a sense of liberation from societal norms and challenges.

Through her reflections on literature and the importance of storytelling, Nafisi emphasizes how these narratives can empower individuals to break through the limitations imposed by their environments. She argues that fairy tales, in their enchantment and moral lessons, invite people to dream and to seek autonomy in a world that often seems restrictive. Such literature encourages the exploration of personal identity and the pursuit of aspirations in the face of adversity.