Bibliography
Satrapi, Marjane. Persepolis. 2003. New York, NY: Pantheon Books. ISBN # 0-375-42230-7
Critical Analysis
Persepolis is an intriguing approach to a memoir. Marjane Satrapi tells her experiences growing up as an adolescent in Tehran through an entertaining and eye-opening graphic novel. Because of the graphic novel format, the limited space for text forces Satrapi to use her words wisely and concisely. The direct and to the point style of the narrative echos her quirky and determined childhood personality. Stories are relayed through short topical chapters which make the often serious subject matters easier for young readers to digest.
Even if young readers don't fully understand the political aspects and themes of the book- the war against Iraq, communism, religious extremism, etc.- they will still enjoy the spunky personality of Marji as she has one-on-one conversations with God, dreams of being a dictator and stirs up imaginative trouble at school. Satrapi's telling of her own life as preteen in a seemingly oppressive culture gives new insight and a few surprises, such as her love of Michael Jackson and desire for western clothing, like Nikes and a denim jacket.
Satrapi's progressive parents also play a major role in the memoir. They encourage Marji's outspoken personality, keep her abreast of the political happenings and even take her out protesting with them once. Their approach to parenting shows a different perspective of the Iranian family and culture. This new perspective shown through Satrapi's life experiences in a humorous, yet enlightening way, makes Persepolis a great read for grades eight and up.
Book Group Ideas
Have students bring in newspaper and magazine articles about current events in Iran. Provide information about the current required dress for women and political standing. Discuss the differences between Iran when Marji lived there and now, how she would have grown up if she was ten and in Iran now, what role her parents played in her life and in the political movements in Iran, her conversations with God, and whatever other questions that spur from the conversation.
External Assessments
"Satrapi's autobiography is a timely and timeless story of a young girl's life under the Islamic Revolution. Descended from the last Emperor of Iran, Satrapi is nine when fundamentalist rebels overthrow the Shah. While Satrapi's radical parents and their community initially welcome the ouster, they soon learn a new brand of totalitarianism is taking over. Satrapi's art is minimal and stark yet often charming and humorous as it depicts the madness around her. She idolizes those who were imprisoned by the Shah, fascinated by their tales of torture, and bonds with her Uncle Anoosh, only to see the new regime imprison and eventually kill him. Thanks to the Iran-Iraq war, neighbors' homes are bombed, playmates are killed and parties are forbidden. Satrapi's parents, who once lived in luxury despite their politics, struggle to educate their daughter. Her father briefly considers fleeing to America, only to realize the price would be too great. "I can become a taxi driver and you a cleaning lady?" he asks his wife. Iron Maiden, Nikes and Michael Jackson become precious symbols of freedom, and eventually Satrapi's rebellious streak puts her in danger, as even educated women are threatened with beatings for improper attire. Despite the grimness, Satrapi never lapses into sensationalism or sentimentality. Skillfully presenting a child's view of war and her own shifting ideals, she also shows quotidian life in Tehran and her family's pride and love for their country despite the tumultuous times. Powerfully understated, this work joins other memoirs-Spiegelman's Maus and Sacco's Safe Area Goradze-that use comics to make the unthinkable familiar."- Publishers Weekly
Critical Analysis
Persepolis is an intriguing approach to a memoir. Marjane Satrapi tells her experiences growing up as an adolescent in Tehran through an entertaining and eye-opening graphic novel. Because of the graphic novel format, the limited space for text forces Satrapi to use her words wisely and concisely. The direct and to the point style of the narrative echos her quirky and determined childhood personality. Stories are relayed through short topical chapters which make the often serious subject matters easier for young readers to digest.
Even if young readers don't fully understand the political aspects and themes of the book- the war against Iraq, communism, religious extremism, etc.- they will still enjoy the spunky personality of Marji as she has one-on-one conversations with God, dreams of being a dictator and stirs up imaginative trouble at school. Satrapi's telling of her own life as preteen in a seemingly oppressive culture gives new insight and a few surprises, such as her love of Michael Jackson and desire for western clothing, like Nikes and a denim jacket.
Satrapi's progressive parents also play a major role in the memoir. They encourage Marji's outspoken personality, keep her abreast of the political happenings and even take her out protesting with them once. Their approach to parenting shows a different perspective of the Iranian family and culture. This new perspective shown through Satrapi's life experiences in a humorous, yet enlightening way, makes Persepolis a great read for grades eight and up.
Book Group Ideas
Have students bring in newspaper and magazine articles about current events in Iran. Provide information about the current required dress for women and political standing. Discuss the differences between Iran when Marji lived there and now, how she would have grown up if she was ten and in Iran now, what role her parents played in her life and in the political movements in Iran, her conversations with God, and whatever other questions that spur from the conversation.
External Assessments
"Satrapi's autobiography is a timely and timeless story of a young girl's life under the Islamic Revolution. Descended from the last Emperor of Iran, Satrapi is nine when fundamentalist rebels overthrow the Shah. While Satrapi's radical parents and their community initially welcome the ouster, they soon learn a new brand of totalitarianism is taking over. Satrapi's art is minimal and stark yet often charming and humorous as it depicts the madness around her. She idolizes those who were imprisoned by the Shah, fascinated by their tales of torture, and bonds with her Uncle Anoosh, only to see the new regime imprison and eventually kill him. Thanks to the Iran-Iraq war, neighbors' homes are bombed, playmates are killed and parties are forbidden. Satrapi's parents, who once lived in luxury despite their politics, struggle to educate their daughter. Her father briefly considers fleeing to America, only to realize the price would be too great. "I can become a taxi driver and you a cleaning lady?" he asks his wife. Iron Maiden, Nikes and Michael Jackson become precious symbols of freedom, and eventually Satrapi's rebellious streak puts her in danger, as even educated women are threatened with beatings for improper attire. Despite the grimness, Satrapi never lapses into sensationalism or sentimentality. Skillfully presenting a child's view of war and her own shifting ideals, she also shows quotidian life in Tehran and her family's pride and love for their country despite the tumultuous times. Powerfully understated, this work joins other memoirs-Spiegelman's Maus and Sacco's Safe Area Goradze-that use comics to make the unthinkable familiar."- Publishers Weekly
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