Marjane Satrapi's Childhood in Persepolis
Persepolis is a graphic memoir about Marjane Satrapi's childhood in Iran. A short introduction informs us about the Islamic Revolution and its affects on the Iranian people. The story begins with the first titled segment, "The Veil" which introduces the concept of forced religion. This theme of forced belief and politics is prevalent through out the book and does not subside; it reflects reality.
As a child, Marjane is spunky, outspoken, and still innocent. She is quick to announce the truth whether it is about God, politics, or the duties of a prophet; at a young age Marjane verbalizes not only her thoughts, but also the thoughts of many Iranians. We follow her character as she hides in the basement, talks to God, goes to school, and leaves her country.
The graphic memoir is captivating; the honesty of the black and white picture allows readers to understand the characters and their struggles. We see the tears, laughs, and frustrations of a family that is trying to physically and mentally survive the instability of fundamentalists. We also see gruesome pictures of decapitated bodies or pictures of people burning to death. As a graphic memoir it works as it relates a story to many audiences; audiences who never experienced this type of violence as children. The use of the graphic novel style fictionalizes the story in a ironic way; as if asking whether or not the events had really occurred because they were so violent and sad. It seems unrealistic, but was very real.
It is very interesting that some women were forced to wear the veil, while others accepted it willingly. Also, the fundamentalists that enforced these laws upon women, were mostly men, some of whom justified their perverted thoughts about women, by saying that a woman who didn't wear the veil were sluts and should be raped. Both of these concepts (1. Accepting to wear the veil and 2. if not you are subjected to derogatory comments from males) is still present in some Islamic countries and communities. As a liberal Muslim, I am glad that Satrapi honestly portrays this concept as not a part of Islam, but a product of male ego and politics.
The use of language engaged me as a reader. I learned about the difference between Arabs and Persians and their history. I wanted to learn more about the Shah and the Islamic Revolution in more detail. There were parts of the story that could have been slowed down, to add reflection and more information on Iraqi war; however the use of the graphic memoir is to show more than to tell. Satrapi shows her audience what happened and what anyone might have felt if they saw what she did as a child. Throughout the story, it seems as though she is so overwhelmed with the revolution that reflection (how she felt and thought about what was happening) was impossible. Also, by only showing us what happened we feel the emotions through expressions and get a sense of her feelings without explanation. She shows that the Satrapi family carry on as normally as possible, in order to maintain a sense of purpose and sanity.
The structure worked very well, especially the titling of each segment. Satrapi builds the excitement of her story as she begins with stability and ends it with her departure and complete instability. She leaves the reader with more questions.
It is very difficult to convey an experience that some of your readers have not had. Specifically war, bombings, and a fundamentalist government, but I think Satrapi shows what happened to both her and her family in a very unique way. Notice that she never uses Iranian landmarks in the book that would make Iran look different from any other country. So this shows that the tragedy could have been anywhere, Marjane could have been any little girl. So we respond, we understand, and we care for her because we can see ourselves.
As a child, Marjane is spunky, outspoken, and still innocent. She is quick to announce the truth whether it is about God, politics, or the duties of a prophet; at a young age Marjane verbalizes not only her thoughts, but also the thoughts of many Iranians. We follow her character as she hides in the basement, talks to God, goes to school, and leaves her country.
The graphic memoir is captivating; the honesty of the black and white picture allows readers to understand the characters and their struggles. We see the tears, laughs, and frustrations of a family that is trying to physically and mentally survive the instability of fundamentalists. We also see gruesome pictures of decapitated bodies or pictures of people burning to death. As a graphic memoir it works as it relates a story to many audiences; audiences who never experienced this type of violence as children. The use of the graphic novel style fictionalizes the story in a ironic way; as if asking whether or not the events had really occurred because they were so violent and sad. It seems unrealistic, but was very real.
It is very interesting that some women were forced to wear the veil, while others accepted it willingly. Also, the fundamentalists that enforced these laws upon women, were mostly men, some of whom justified their perverted thoughts about women, by saying that a woman who didn't wear the veil were sluts and should be raped. Both of these concepts (1. Accepting to wear the veil and 2. if not you are subjected to derogatory comments from males) is still present in some Islamic countries and communities. As a liberal Muslim, I am glad that Satrapi honestly portrays this concept as not a part of Islam, but a product of male ego and politics.
The use of language engaged me as a reader. I learned about the difference between Arabs and Persians and their history. I wanted to learn more about the Shah and the Islamic Revolution in more detail. There were parts of the story that could have been slowed down, to add reflection and more information on Iraqi war; however the use of the graphic memoir is to show more than to tell. Satrapi shows her audience what happened and what anyone might have felt if they saw what she did as a child. Throughout the story, it seems as though she is so overwhelmed with the revolution that reflection (how she felt and thought about what was happening) was impossible. Also, by only showing us what happened we feel the emotions through expressions and get a sense of her feelings without explanation. She shows that the Satrapi family carry on as normally as possible, in order to maintain a sense of purpose and sanity.
The structure worked very well, especially the titling of each segment. Satrapi builds the excitement of her story as she begins with stability and ends it with her departure and complete instability. She leaves the reader with more questions.
It is very difficult to convey an experience that some of your readers have not had. Specifically war, bombings, and a fundamentalist government, but I think Satrapi shows what happened to both her and her family in a very unique way. Notice that she never uses Iranian landmarks in the book that would make Iran look different from any other country. So this shows that the tragedy could have been anywhere, Marjane could have been any little girl. So we respond, we understand, and we care for her because we can see ourselves.
I really like that you point out the ironic nature of the graphic novel being used to tell such a serious story. It almost makes light of it, but at the same time, makes it more accessible, more real. It was a very interesting choice!
ReplyDeleteGreat response, Maryam. Your passion and honesty for this subject comes through strongly in your reaction to this memoir. I really agree with how powerful this "comic book" form is...the simplicity and lack of emotional reflection IS what makes it so real and heart-wrenching. It is what she doesn't say that you are left thinking about when you close the book, and in my mind, I think that is the most compelling and lasting effect of this chosen form.
ReplyDeleteI liked your comment about the fact that she doesn't use Iranian landmarks in the story. In the same way, she tries to sound like any little girl in any country so that the reader will identify with her.
ReplyDelete