In her book "The Republic of Imagination: America in Three Books," Azar Nafisi argues that fiction serves as a mirror to our national identity and values. The stories we tell and how we interpret them reveal essential truths about who we are as a society. Fiction goes beyond entertainment; it serves as a critical tool for self-reflection and understanding the complexities of our collective existence.

Nafisi suggests that imaginative literature acts as an early warning system, highlighting societal issues that may not be immediately visible. By engaging with these narratives, we can assess the overall health of our culture and the challenges we face. This perspective emphasizes the importance of literature in shaping our identity and addressing the moral fabric of our nation.