In Azar Nafisi's "Reading Lolita in Tehran," the author discusses the impact of literature on our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. She posits that the greatest works of fiction often create a sense of alienation within us, challenging our established beliefs and traditions. This discomfort prompts readers to reevaluate what they have always accepted as normal and pushes them to explore new perspectives. Nafisi encourages her students to embrace this unsettling feeling as a catalyst for deeper reflection.

Nafisi highlights that great literature invites us to step outside of our comfort zones. By feeling like a stranger in familiar surroundings, readers can confront the rigidity of societal norms and expectations. Through this lens, works like "Alice in Wonderland" serve as powerful tools for examining our own realities. Ultimately, the act of questioning and reflecting on our world, inspired by literature, enriches our moral and philosophical comprehension of life.