Overview
This lecture provides a concise analysis of main characters and major themes in Marjane Satrapi’s graphic memoir, Persepolis, focusing on personal, political, and cultural struggles in revolutionary Iran.
Main Characters
- Marjane (Marji) Satrapi: Protagonist and narrator who matures during political turmoil, facing issues of identity, faith, and rebellion.
- Ebi Satrapi: Marji’s progressive, politically active father who supports her independence.
- Taji Satrapi: Marji’s strong-willed, protective mother who encourages her education and assertiveness.
- Uncle Anoosh: Marji’s uncle and former political prisoner; his execution impacts Marji’s view of justice and the revolution.
- Grandmother: Offers wisdom and comfort, sharing family stories of struggle.
- God: Marji’s imaginary friend who serves as her inner moral guide during childhood.
Major Themes
- Coming of Age: Marji’s journey from innocence to maturity amid upheaval.
- Rebellion and Resistance: The Satrapi family resists oppression through overt and subtle acts.
- Identity and Cultural Conflict: Marji wrestles with her Iranian heritage versus Western influence, especially abroad.
- Loss and Trauma: War and repression lead to losses that shape Marji’s worldview.
- Loss of Innocence: Traumatic events force Marji to see the world differently.
- Mixed Patriotism and War: National pride clashes with the reality and confusion of war.
- Social Class Divide: Class differences persist even during shared suffering; the wealthy are protected, the poor are sacrificed.
Key Symbols & Events
- The Veil: Symbolizes enforced conformity and gender segregation post-1979 revolution.
- The Bicycle: Revolution is like a bicycle—if it stops, it collapses.
- The Water Cell: Story of Marji’s grandfather’s imprisonment and torture as a communist.
- The Letter: Class differences exposed through Mehri’s failed romance.
- The Party: After the Shah’s fall, initial celebrations give way to chaos.
Additional Concepts
- Government propaganda spreads misleading pro-regime messages.
- Violence normalized: Suffering and death become part of daily life.
- Resistance through joy: Happiness becomes an act of rebellion.
- Government inefficiency can have deadly consequences.
- Personal vs. political choices create internal conflict.
- Private rebellion contrasts with public obedience.
- Helplessness and rage result from systemic injustices.
- Forced exile separates families for safety.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Coming of Age — The process of growing from childhood to adulthood, often amid significant challenges.
- The Veil — Mandatory hijab for women and girls after the Islamic Revolution.
- Government Propaganda — Biased information used to support those in power.
- Cultural Rebellion — Defying oppressive social or cultural norms.
- Loss of Innocence — Gaining awareness of harsh realities through traumatic events.
- Class Division — Social separation based on economic status, even during crises.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review Persepolis text for additional examples of the listed themes and symbols.
- Prepare character maps for main and supporting characters.
- Reflect on how historical context shapes each character’s choices.
- Complete assigned reading on the Iranian Revolution for deeper context.