In Azar Nafisi's memoir, "Reading Lolita in Tehran," the author reflects on her experiences teaching literature in Iran amidst a repressive regime. She highlights the significance of Nabokov's "Invitation to a Beheading," which resonated deeply with her students. The novel's protagonist, Cincinnatus C., is portrayed as an imaginative individual standing out in a society that enforces conformity, mirroring the struggles faced by Nafisi's students under oppressive circumstances.

Nafisi uses this literature to explore themes of individuality and the power of imagination against societal constraints. The admiration for Nabokov’s work illustrates how art can challenge the status quo and inspire hope, empowering readers to embrace their uniqueness and resist pressures towards uniformity. Ultimately, the memoir reflects the transformative role of literature in fostering critical thinking and personal freedom.