Conclusion
When examining Salar Abdoh, his novel Opium, Iran, and everything in between with a fine tooth comb, it is clear that several different aspects make up Abdoh’s and Iran’s identity as a whole. Religion and politics, having quite a significant role in Iran to the point where they coexist, gives Iran most of its identity because most Iranian people practice the Islamic faith. Since politics offers little in terms of sociological support or solutions, the people of Iran often turn to their religion for one sole thing; hope. The promise of a better life after death gives Iranians hope of evading their current situation. As for Abdoh, religion floats in and out of his life and is sometimes important and other times not as much. As for Iran’s past and historiography, it is true that most comes from Persian and Islamic lore, but this is critical for maintaining individuality because Iranians and Muslims are able to hold on to a chunk of their past that has not been altered by governments or foreign nations. This is also important to Iran’s psychological state and philosophical standpoint; having a perhaps not true, but distinguished story of their past allows for something for Iranians to hold on to, something positive to show case to the rest of the world. Perhaps this is all identity is, the story people tell about their past. It is no wonder why America and Iran differ, both stem from different stories. As Abdoh puts it; “Yet to go back and forth between such societies is to be an outsider to both. Neither really Iranian nor really American, yet carry passports for both countries” (question 7).
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