Marjane Satrapi's Persepolis

“Persepolis” is an autobiographical graphic novel telling the story of Marjane Satrapi’s childhood. Satrapi shows readers what it means to her to be an Iranian girl and woman. Furthermore, readers learn of her cultural surrounding and identity including the political situation in Iran at the time of her upbringing, and how she often clashed with the oppressive ideologies encompassing her. From a very young age, Marji the protagonist was a very smart, ambitious and rebellious girl. Even as a child, Marji strongly felt the need of change in society, and was fearless in taking matters into her own hands. Yet, Marji’s defiance and challenge to oppressive ideologies, a repressive regime, and societal pressures did not simply develop out of thin

Marji was able to grow to be mature through the experiences she shared with Uncle Anoosh. For instance, Marji once thought that all people who went to prison were heroes. She felt that they were bold enough to fight against the government and its law. She was even jealous of one of her friend’s dad who was in prison at the time. However, when Uncle Anoosh was executed, Marji realizes that simply being in the prison or in danger does not make someone a hero. Also, thanks to Uncle Anoosh, she was given a taste of devastating realities of society. Before Uncle Anoosh’s death, Marji said that she would become a prophet and had a deep faith in God. In fact, vision of God visited her often and she took a great pleasure in such instances. The death of Uncle Anoosh, however, introduced Marji to the newfound realities of society and led to her conclusion that equality and ethics does not exist in the world, and the God she once praised could not change the violence of the world. When God visits her again, Marji shouts at God, telling him to get out and never return. On page 71, the panel shows a picture of Marji floating aimlessly without cause (Satrapi, 71). The picture symbolizes Marji’s state of mind after she lost her Uncle and begins to reject God. Now that she has been exposed to the dangers of the world, she no longer possesses the innocence she once had