Persepolis Reader Response

I have never read a graphic novel before, and was surprised to find out that I really enjoy it. Persepolis, by Marjane Satrapi, is a story that brings together different pieces of the author's childhood. The novel takes place during the Islamic Revolution in Iran, between the years of 1979 and 1983. From Satrapi's story, the reader gets a glimpse of what growing up was like in a time of confusion and revolt. Although I thought this was an excellent book, which opened my eyes to a new genre, at times I felt that I was unable to connect with the text because I am not very familiar with the Middle East and its history.

One thing that caught my attention was the information given dealing with the social classes. In Iran it was forbidden to marry outside your social class. When Satrapi's maid falls in love with the neighbors son, she doesn't see anything wrong with it. Although, after Satrapi's father finds out he tries to explain to her "that their love was impossible"(37), in their country people must "stay within [their] own social class"(37). I know that social classes are present wherever you go, yet this novel sheds light on the extreme split between classes in some cultures, it opened my eyes to how divided a nation can be. After thinking about this, Satrapi states, "The reason for my shame and for the revolution is the same: The difference between social classes."(33). Through this quote, the author reveals how social classes can split a nation.

Another thing that I found interesting was the depiction of some of the characters unrealistic views of the revolution. While walking down the street Satrapi's family had a conversation with their neighbors about the revolution. The neighbor pointed to his wife's cheek and stated, "a bullet almost hit my wife's cheek, liberty is priceless"(44). When in contrast she always had that marking, she only wanted to feel like part of the action. It is interesting because when things seem to be progressing or doing well, everyone wants to say they had some part in it. It also shows how easy people are pressures or persuaded to believe a certain thing, or take a certain stance.

This novel brought up many difficult issues, and the Islamic Revolution is not something to be taken lightly, yet Satrapi does a great job of weaving humor in just the right places, which keep the flow light and easy to follow. Whether is is with her illustrations or simple dialogue, I would find myself laughing as I went along with parts of her story. When Satrapi's uncle shows a picture of his family, she questions why the woman's face is crossed out. Her uncle replies, "Russians aren't like us..."(59), leaving Satrapi to question, "What? Don't they have heads"(59)? Simple humor like this can be found throughout the novel, and helped to keep the readers attention.

The graphics in this novel helped to enhance both the dialogues meaning and emotions. Many pictures stuck out and helped me, as a reader, to better understand the text. The veil is an important topic through the entire novel. There is a strain on the women who are forced to wear the veil, this is greatly enhanced by the the graphic on page 6, where it shows the two sides of Satrapi, and how she feels torn between wearing the veil or not wearing it. After Satrapi's uncle Anoosh is executed, she feels lost and confused. The illistration of her floating in space on page 71, amplified the emotions the character was feeling at the time.

Overall I was very impressed with this novel, and it has encouarged me to read other graphic novels. Between the dialgoue and graphics, Satrapi portrays a powerful story of childhood, change, and growing up in a nation that is torn and battered.

Some questions...
I looked up Persepolis in the dictionary, and it states that is an ancient city of Persia. Why is this book titled Persepolis? What is the meaning behind it?

I was a little confused when Satrapi mentions her grandfather, and him being a prince and then a communist?