The idea that one rather simple object can represent exponentially more than the actual physical makeup of that object allows humans to formulate complex ideas, beliefs, and needs into objects that are easily seen so that they are reminded of them. Symbols are often mundane and simple objects that are transformed into something greater only by what they represent. Take for instance: a book, a potato, and a rubber band; each reveals and exemplifies a component of the day that is now at its close. 

    The basic, the mundane, the necessary, are all applicable words when it comes to analyzing the potato and its place among and relationship with the other items. Each day one requires certain ingredients in order to be alive. They need sustenance in the form of food, water, and air; without such elements they would perish. The potato signifies all of these things as well as the daily grind of life; it is predictable in comparison to the other two objects. Often times, one’s day is rather predictable as it adheres to a set schedule that can hardly be deviated from which is followed day after day without respite. Frankly the potato is monotonous as are the repeated elements of each day when they have been done over and over again. The potato symbolizes the elements of the day just completed that were mandatory and couldn’t be avoided, despite perhaps not being as lively as what is represented by the other items these essentials are no less worthy of note or value. 

    The snap of a twig crunching underfoot, the abrupt change in mood, weather, or events that can all take place within a day can be signified by the unobtrusive rubber band. No matter how much potato there is in one’s day there usually is going to be something abrupt and surprising; whether it is getting a flat tire or even just getting an extra fruit snack in the pack. The unexpected is around every corner and padding one’s life with potatoes and daily routine cannot eliminate that. The rubber band lying in the dorm room is stretched and well worn. The stretch marks upon its surface are evident to even the most impercipient eye and it appears as though it will not last but another use. Emotions oftentimes at the end of the day resemble this state of being. They are worn thin to the point one more thing going wrong or not turning out like it was planned or a forgotten item on the to do list will shatter what is left of one’s fragile inner state. It is vulnerable, sudden, and sometimes fearful of what else can happen in the day. 

    Reading Lolita in Tehran lies open on the nightstand in the same place it was left immediately ready to begin anew the next chapter. Revealing that each day begins a new page of life and each time one arises in the morning they are precisely where they left off that evening when falling into a slumber. It’s a reminder of the real life that is actually lived and one comes home from both in structure and in content. The format reveals closure in the relation between the novel and the potato as they both represent the scheduled aspects of the day, the precise aspects that can be found on a calendar. However in contrast to this scripted the nature the book is an escape from reality into another world, it is mysterious and captivating. It snaps with emotion much like that of the rubber band. The book is the best of both the potato and the rubber band for it is not mundane but necessary; it is not stretched to the point of shattering yet still a twist and splinter from the expected. 

    The title of the novel is not without further significance as it provides a reminder of the vast world that exists and is experienced by all each day. As America enters a new age under a new administration many are fearful and apprehensive over their and the country’s future. When reading Lolita these aspects appear magnified onto the page. As Professor Azar and other woman are oppressed by an intolerant regime that mandates they wear a headscarf, discourages thoughts against them, and monitors it all through their informants and secret police. This reminder of American life is derived from the opposite perspective as the nation closing its doors, is closing them to the west, the United States. There are political activists who shout “death to America!” and who burn American flags and books. The novel is a reminder that no matter what ones beliefs is the extreme viewpoint on either side is detrimental to the betterment of human society. If the world cannot come together with open dialogue, all is lost as the Middle East shuts its doors to the West and the West follows suit in slamming their gates shut. 

    The potato, the book, and the rubber band found together in the dorm form part of a complete representation of one’s daily life. Each possesses unique aspects that carve out its own niche within the day, yet there are bridges between each as they all work in harmony to create each day. Furthermore fabricating a reminder of how humanity must act towards one another, while not always agreeing it must be seen that the earth is shared and each side must come together for the betterment of all.