Persepolis lesson 1 -4
.docx
School
Delta College**We aren't endorsed by this school
Course
ENGLISH 111
Subject
Arts & Humanities
Date
Jan 8, 2025
Pages
8
Uploaded by DrTapirMaster825
PersepolisCharacters, Events and Allusions in the TextDirections:In order to fully understand the events and references in Persepolis, you need to know about these important people, places, and ideas. You will research to find valid information about each of the terms listed below (1-5). For each, write down just a few sentences and the name of your source. Also, read through the rest of the terms so that you are prepared for reading.1.Persepolis – 2.capitalism – 3.socialism (or Marxism) – 4.dialectical materialism – 5.totalitarianism –
Introduction1.According to the introduction, what stereotypical image is Satrapi trying to dispel? 2.The author indicates two motives for writing Persepolis What are they? The VeilIslamic Revolution– Iran 1979 – a state of revolt when the Iranian Shah was overthrown, and an Islamic theocracy was put in place.Zarathustra-6th century B.B., Persian religious teacher.3.How was education affected by the new regime? Why? 4.What did the veil symbolize? 5.What did bilingual schools represent to the new regime? 6.How do women respond to the veil? 7.Why was a picture of Marjane’s mother published in the newspaper? How did her mother respond? Why?
8.Describe the symbolism and conflict represented in the picture on the top left of page 6. 9.Why does Marji want to be a prophet? (3 reasons)10.Who is Zarathustra, and what are his three rules for living? 11.How do others respond to Marji’s religious calling? Grade 12 onlyJournal: How does Marjane Satrapi portray the impact of the veil on her personal identity and her society?Consider the cultural, political, and personal dimensions of wearing the veil.Questions to guide your writing:1.How does the imposition of the veil reflect the political climate in Iran during the Islamic Revolution?2.How do different characters react to the veil, and what does this reveal about their perspectives on freedom and identity?3.How would you feel if a symbol or practice were suddenly imposed upon you, altering your expression of individuality?4.How does the veil shape Marjane's understanding of herself as a child?
Use examples from the text and your own experiences or thoughts to deepen your reflection.The BicycleFidel Castro- A Cuban political leader of the twentieth century. He led the revolution that in 1959 overthrew the dictator of Cuba, who had the support of the United States. Castro then presided over his country's transformation into a communist state.Che Guevara- Theoretician and tactician of guerrilla warfare and prominent figure in Fidel Castro's revolution in Cuba (1956–59). Trotsky, Leon, 1879-1940, Russian Communist revolutionary, one of the principal leaders in the establishment of the USSRShah- (formerly, in Iran) king; sovereign.tyranny– a government in which one ruler has absolute powercommunism– a government system that eliminates private property and provides a system to share common goodssocialism– economic and political theory that calls for the state – government in charge – to own and control production and distribution of goods, among other things. Socialists are people who belong to a socialist political party, or who favor its theory. This theory is different from ours: capitalism(an economic system where private parties – not the government – control economic distribution of goods, production, pricing and other factors present in a free market). Marx– Karl Marx, an eighteenth century, German philosopher who wrote several texts – including The Communist Manifesto– to educate people about communism (see above). Descartes– René Descartes: a philosopher, mathematician and scientist who lived until the beginning of the seventeenth century.BBC– The British Broadcasting Corporation: Marji’s parents often watch these reports on TV, or the radio to receive information that is free of bias – and some outright lies – present in the Iranian broadcasts.dialectical materialism – A complex philosophy derived, in part, from the writings of Karl Marx.
13.Who are Che Guevara, Fidel, and Trotsky? (Look them up!) Why are they important? 14.How does Marji’s relationship with God begin to change? 15.What happens at the Rex Cinema? What does the Shah say? What do Marjane’s parents know? In "The Bicycle" section of Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi uses the metaphor of a bicycle to illustrate the need for collective momentum to maintain revolutionary change. Reflect on how the bicycle represents both freedom and the challenges of rebellion. How does Marjane’s understanding of history and revolution evolve in this chapter? Consider the role of personal agency in political movements.Prompt Questions:1.How does the metaphor of the bicycle deepen the narrative's exploration of revolution?2.What does Marjane’s curiosity about historical revolutions reveal about her character?3.Can the idea of "a bicycle needs to be in motion to stay upright" apply to social or personal growth in your own life? Why or why not?Use specific examples from the text to support your reflection.
The Water Cellrepublic– A government that relies on a citizens who elect representatives. In addition, there is usually a president, as opposed to a monarch.theocracy – a form of government in which God or a deity is recognized as the supreme civil ruler, the God's or deity's laws being interpreted by the ecclesiastical authoritiesLenin– Vladimir Lenin, who founded the Russian Communist Party (Bolsheviks) and staged a successful communist revolution in 1917. He was the first head of the Soviet state until his death in the early twentieth century.16.According to Marji, how was a king chosen? What was her rationale? 17.What is the significance of the "water-cell" as a metaphor in this chapter, and how does it reflect Marjane's understanding of oppression and violence?18.How does the story of Marjane's grandfather, shared by her parents, highlight the complexity of Iran's political history?19.Why does Marjane’s father compare Reza Khan to Gandhi and Ataturk? What point is he trying to get across about the Shah of their country?
20.Why is it significant that Marji imagines herself in her grandfather's place during his imprisonment? What does this reveal about her character and sense of empathy?“Persepolis”Cyrus– Cyrus the Great (or Cyrus II), king of the Achaemenian empire – is modern-day Iran – who died in 580 B.C. Cyrus exists in both history and myth.Martyr– A martyr is someone who dies for a cause. Originally, it was term that related to people who were executed for religious beliefs but is now used to describe someone who dies for a variety of reasons (political, etc.).21.What does Marji do when she is confused about the adult reactions?22.What are the strengths and limitations of using graphic cartoons to tell the story?23.How is the image of the Shah on the bottom of page 27 both symbolic and ironic?24.Ironically, what happens when a second dead man is carried out on a stretcher during a demonstration? What happens next that surprises Marji and amuses her family?
25. What do the widow’s actions show about the Persian people?