That first day I asked my students what they thought fiction should accomplish, why one should bother to read fiction at all. It was an odd way to start, but I did succeed in getting their attention. I explained that we would in the course of the semester read and discuss many different authors, but that one thing these authors all had in common was their subversiveness.
📖 Azar Nafisi
In the beginning of her course, Azar Nafisi engaged her students by asking them to consider the purpose of fiction and the reasons for reading it. This unconventional introduction effectively captured their interest, prompting deep reflection on the value of literature. Nafisi emphasized that throughout the semester, they would explore various authors who shared a common trait: their ability to challenge societal norms and provoke thought.
By focusing on the subversive nature of literature, Nafisi aimed to highlight how these works could inspire critical thinking and personal growth. This approach set the stage for a meaningful exploration of fiction, encouraging her students to appreciate its power beyond mere storytelling and to recognize its role in questioning and shaping the world around them.
