These characters depend to such a high degree on their own sense of integrity that for them, victory has nothing to do with happiness. It has more to do with a settling within oneself, a movement inward that makes them whole. Their reward is not happiness...what James's characters gain is self-respect.
In Azar Nafisi's memoir, the characters illustrate the important role of integrity in their lives. For them, achieving victory is not tied to happiness but rather to a profound sense of self-acceptance. This inward journey leads them to a place of wholeness, where their decisions and actions resonate with their personal values.
The fulfillment these characters seek comes not from external achievements or recognition but from cultivating self-respect. This theme emphasizes that true victory lies in the alignment of one's life with their internal moral compass, fostering resilience and inner peace rather than temporary joy.