Chapter 12

The Abedi’s listen to the BBC’s account of Khomeini’s return to Iran.  Khomeini’s return does not immediately bring peace, but increased violence.   The Abedi’s have run out of kerosene to heat their home and Pari is sick. Desperate for supplies and weapons, Reza, Hassan, Farid and Ardeshir join a raid on the local prison.

1. Select one of the questions you have written in a previous journal and write to that question.

1. Do you feel Reza is too harsh with Hassan?  With Soraya?  Defend your opinion.
2. Analyze the purpose Farid serves for Reza and the reader. 
3. In terms of free speech, explain the importance of the conversation with the men prior to the prison invasion.
4. Why is there a riot at the prison?
5. From the conversation on the rooftop, assess the socio-political climate of Iran.

In one to two paragraphs, compare and contrast the risks Reza took at the beginning of the story with risks in recent chapters.

1. With a brisk yank, Reza pulled Hassan out of the snow.  “You can’t cry about it!  They didn’t see us, so grab your can and let’s go.”  He took two steps down the alley. “Tears are for cowards Hassan.  Stand up and keep moving.” 
2. Farid was answered in snores.  He stood up and walked to the roof’s edge.  Looking toward Tehran, “I’m afraid holding those Americans hostage is going really piss off the West,” he said.  But nobody heard him.

The point of view refers to the way the events of a story are conveyed to the reader; it is the “vantage point” from which the narrative is passed from author to the reader.  The point of view can be first person (using I), third person (outside observer), limited third person (outside observer with one character’s thoughts) or omniscient (all characters’ thoughts are known).

Evaluate the effectiveness of the POV chosen for American Wings, Iranian Roots.   Pose arguments for or against using a different POV.

Against the dramatic landscape of world altering events, Reza’s heroric journey unfolds.