Persepolis discussion

Persepolis

Persepolis starts after the 1979 Iranian Revolution. The revolution resulted in the down fall of Shah of Iran and leads to the rise of the religious conservatives that establish the oppressive Islamic Republic. Marjane Satrapi (story’s main character) tells how she used to attend a French non-religious, co-educational school. Since the Islamic republic was against all Western influences these types of schools were banned. The Islamic Republic forced all females to wear veils. Marjane begins to learn about the history of Iran and the many invaders and rulers it has had over its long history. Her own grandpa was a Persian Prince under the rules of the Shah and he often imprisoned and tortured people. Marjane begins to understand that the tension between different social classes has led to much suffering in the country. After the revolution comes to an end, and the Shah is removed, many political prisoners are released from prison. The new Islamic Republic targets the released prisoners and many of them are killed. One of the released prisoners that is executed is her Uncle Anoosh. This is the time that Marjane begins to reject God. Many of Marjane’s friends and family leave the country. The Iraq-Iran War breaks out. During the war Iran’s policies become even more strict. Marjane is nearly arrested because her parents sneak her Western items like posters and sneakers. Marjane is traumatized when she sees the body of her friend Neda. She becomes more and more rebellious and slaps the principle of her school. She is expelled, and her family fears for her safety so she moves to a French school in Vienna, Austria, where she will be allowed more freedom. Before she leaves she fills a jar with Iranian dirt and her grandma gives her the advice “If people hurt you, tell yourself that it’s because they’re stupid.’’
In my opinion, this book would be about middle to high school level reading due to the graphic and adult nature of the novel. The major themes of religion vs modernity and violence leading to forgiveness or vengeance are prevalent throughout the book. Due to the overall negative nature of war and religion I personally did not find much joy in reading this book, but I can appreciate the concepts for which it conveys and the emotions for which it provokes. My favorite quote is from page 10: “The revolution is like a bicycle. When the wheels don’t turn, it falls”. Although I wasn’t too thrilled reading this book, I can’t help but wonder how things went for Marjane in Austria.