In Azar Nafisi's memoir, "Reading Lolita in Tehran," the author reflects on her experiences under oppressive regulations that stifle freedom and expression. She emphasizes that mere enforcement of rules is insufficient; such regulations only gain compliance when backed by coercion. This perspective reveals the harsh reality faced by those living under authoritarian regimes, where adherence is not born out of respect for laws, but rather from fear of consequences.

Nafisi’s narrative illustrates the struggles of individuals who seek to reclaim their intellectual freedom amid a climate of suppression. By underscoring the need for force in enforcing regulations, she highlights the stubborn resilience of the human spirit and the ongoing battle for autonomy in the face of an oppressive system.