Satrapi throws herself into her reading, especially of a Kurdish author named Ali Ashraf Darvishian. She realizes her discomfort and shame at home come from her new understanding of the differences between social classes, which are particularly pronounced when she considers the family maid, Mehri. Mehri’s family allowed her to come work for Satrapi’s family when Mehri was eight because they had too many children to feed. She and Satrapi get along well and maintain a sisterly relationship.

Mehri falls in love with the neighbor boy but is unable to read or write letters to him; Satrapi agrees to do so on her behalf. Word gets back to Satrapi’s parents about Mehri’s love for the boy next door, and Satrapi’s father recognizes his daughter’s handwriting on the love letters. He confronts the neighbor and later tells Satrapi that Mehri and the neighbor’s love is “impossible” due to their differences in social class. Satrapi is unable to understand why social class should matter. She crawls into bed with Mehri, who cries herself to sleep.

Satrapi decides she wishes to demonstrate, and she brings Mehri with her. They stay out too late, and when they arrive home, Satrapi’s

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