Conflict In Satrapi's Persepolis

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The graphic novel, Persepolis that is written by Satrapi depicts the coming of age story of Marjane and her experiences during and after the Iranian war. Through Marjane’s experiences, the character frequently encounters the hardship and conflict of growing up. However, these hardships are major factors that shape Marjane as a character and establish the context of the novel. Within this novel, Satrapi uses graphic novel conventions and literary devices to convey the conflict of Marjane; with herself, with man (in the form of her teachers), and with the society that is revealed in Persepolis.

Firstly, pages 70-71 demonstrate Marjane’s inner conflict with her emotions, beliefs, and mind after the loss of her uncle. In order to convey the grief, Marjane feels, Satrapi draws a frowning mouth, downturned eyebrows, and an emanate of tear drops on Marjane’s face. Additionally, in the 4th panel with god, speech bubbles have jagged edges, which symbolise the ferocity of Marjane’s voice and her extreme anger towards god. These outbursts of anger and sadness, signify her unstable emotions. Furthermore, Satrapi draws Marjane on her bed with arms open and looking up to express that Marjane is trying to find some kind of confirmation that “everything will be alright”. However, Marjane 's expression is sad while she says this and shows she is not alright. This reveals that Marjane is in denial and how contradictory her words to her emotions are. Furthermore, the next page displays