GENERAL ENGLISH
Persepolis
Dr. Cecilia Osyanju
Persepolis - Marjane Satrapi
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Learning Agenda
What01is a Memoir?
Context of Persepolis
Memoir
Graphic Style of the Memoir
The Plot of Persepolis
Memoir by Marjane Satrapi
Key Characters in
Persepolis
Literary Techniques/
Literary Devices
03
Themes and
Quotes
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Literature
Prose
Poetry
Fiction
Non-Fiction
Narrative
Lyric
Dramatic
Novel
History
Epic
Song
Tragedy
Short Story
News
Ballad
Ode
Comedy
Novella
Biography
Metrical Tale
Sonnet
Melodrama
Fable
Diary
Elegy
Farce
Parable
Anecdote
Idyll
Social Tale
Legend
Essay
Memoir
Essay
You can situate the Memoir in this chart as Non-Fiction Prose
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What is a memoir?
A memoir is a nonfiction narrative
written by an individual that focuses
on specific events or periods in their
own life
Unlike an autobiography, which
typically covers the author's entire life,
a memoir delves into particular
experiences and the emotions
associated with them
Memoirs come in various forms, each offering a
unique perspective and style, such as
autobiographical memoirs, coming-of-age memoirs,
travel memoirs, and more
A memoir is considered a literary genre. Here are the key points about memoirs as a genre
Memoir as a Genre
- A memoir is a nonfiction narrative written by an individual that focuses on specific
events or periods in their own life.
- Unlike an autobiography, which typically covers the author's entire life, a memoir delves
into particular experiences and the emotions associated with them.
- Memoirs are usually understood to be factual accounts of people's lives, typically from
their early years, and are derived from the French term "mémoire", meaning
"reminiscence" or "memory.
- A memoir is a literary nonfiction genre in which the author recounts their experiences
during a significant period of their life.
- Memoirs come in various forms, each offering a unique perspective and style, such as
autobiographical memoirs, coming-of-age memoirs, travel memoirs, and more.
- The memoir genre satisfies two of our most human desires: to be known and to know
others.
So in summary, a memoir is a distinct literary genre that focuses on the author's personal
experiences and emotions during a specific period of their life, rather than a
comprehensive
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autobiography. It has its own set of characteristics and subgenres.
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Context of Persepolis Memoir
Persepolis is set in Iran and
follows a period of social and
political tensions starting
with the 1979 Iranian
Revolution, to life under the
new Islamic Republic, to the
Iran-Iraq War.
The 1979 Revolution aimed
to overthrow the Shah, who
aligned with America and
attempted to modernise the
country. Discontent with the
Shah and his use of violence
to achieve his aims, protests
and demonstrations
intensified into a revolution.
Marji grew up witnessing many
of these violent acts. The
Revolution was eventually
successful and the Shah fled
Iran.
The war eventually ended in
1988 but Persepolis, the book,
ended around 1983 when Marji
was 14 and the war was still at
its peak.
Persepolis is set in Iran and follows a period of social and political tensions starting with
the 1979 Iranian Revolution, to life under the new Islamic Republic, to the Iran-Iraq War.
The 1979 Revolution aimed to overthrow the Shah, who aligned with America and
attempted to modernise the country. Discontent with the Shah and his use of violence to
achieve his aims, protests and demonstrations intensified into a revolution.
Marji grew up witnessing many of these violent acts. The Revolution was eventually
successful and the Shah fled Iran.
However, the departure of the Shah in early 1979 created a power vacuum in Iran with
different factions trying to gain control of the government. This allowed religious
fundamentalists, led by religious leader Khomeini, to consolidate power.
Even though some people such as the Satrapi family opposed Khomeini and his strict
religious ideals, Iran became an Islamic republic in April 1979. As the regime’s power and
influence grew over the years, they enforced stricter and more repressive laws.
The Iran-Iraq war also started in September 1980. Since Iran was already undergoing major
political and social changes within the country, the war took a heavy toll on its population.
We often see this through Marji’s anger, fear and trauma during this period.
But for the new government, the war was an opportunity to strengthen their authority,
impose
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repressive laws and fuel nationalism across the population.
The war eventually ended in 1988 but Persepolis, the book, ended around 1983 when Marji
was 14 and the war was still at its peak.
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Graphic Style of the Memoir
Colour
Salience
Gaze
Vectors
Contrast
Colour: Satrapi uses color strategically to evoke mood and convey meaning. The graphic
novel is primarily presented in black and white, with occasional splashes of color. The
absence of color in most panels creates a stark and somber atmosphere, reflecting the
seriousness of the narrative. The introduction of color is often used to highlight
significant moments or emotions, emphasizing their impact.
Gaze: Satrapi employs the technique of gaze to convey emotion and establish connections
between characters and readers. The characters' eyes are depicted in a highly expressive
manner, capturing their thoughts, feelings, and reactions. The gaze is used to create
empathy and establish a connection between the reader and the characters' experiences.
Contrast: Satrapi employs contrast in both visual and thematic aspects of the graphic
novel. Visual contrast is evident through the juxtaposition of dark and light panels,
representing moments of despair and hope. It also signifies the stark differences between
the repressive nature of the Iranian regime and the desires for freedom and individuality.
Salience: Satrapi uses salience to draw attention to specific elements within a panel. By
employing variations in size, detail, or shading, she emphasizes certain objects or
individuals, directing the reader's focus to significant aspects of the narrative. This
technique aids in highlighting key themes or events and guiding the reader's
interpretation.
Vectors: Vectors refer to the visual lines or directions that guide the reader's eye across
the panels. Satrapi utilizes vectors strategically to create a sense of movement and flow,
guiding the
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reader through the sequential narrative. These vectors can be lines of action, body
posture, or directional elements that contribute to the pacing and rhythm of the
storytelling.
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The Plot of Persepolis
Childhood in
Tehran
(Introduction)
Marjane introduces herself and her family in Tehran before the
Islamic Revolution. She describes her family's background and her
early experiences as a spirited and independent-minded young girl.
Islamic Revolution
(1979)
The revolution unfolds as Marjane's family participates in protests
against the Shah's regime. The revolution leads to the establishment
of an Islamic Republic in Iran.
Life Under the
New Regime
Marjane's family adjusts to the changes brought about by the
Islamic Republic. She navigates the strict rules imposed by the new
government, including mandatory veiling and segregated schools.
Account of the Main Events in Persepolis
Childhood in Tehran (Introduction): Marjane introduces herself
and her family in Tehran before the Islamic Revolution. She describes her family's
background and her early experiences as a spirited and independent-minded young girl.
Islamic Revolution (1979): The revolution unfolds as Marjane's family participates in
protests against the Shah's regime. The revolution leads to the establishment of an
Islamic Republic in Iran .
Life Under the New Regime: Marjane's family adjusts to the changes brought about by the
Islamic Republic. She navigates the strict rules imposed by the new government, including
mandatory veiling and segregated schools.
War with Iraq: The Iran-Iraq War begins, and Marjane's family faces the hardships of war,
including bombings and rationing. Marjane's parents send her to Vienna, Austria, to ensure
her saf ety.
Life in Vienna: Marjane experiences a new culture in Vienna but struggles with
homesickness and a sense of displacement. She faces loneliness and discrimination while
studying there.
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Return to Iran: Marjane returns to Iran after completing her education. She deals with the
challenges of finding her place in Iranian society once again.
Marriage and Divorce: Marjane enters into a short-lived marriage, which ends in divorce
due to her husband's infidelity. This
experience shapes her views on relationships and personal freedom.
Political and Personal Struggles: Marjane continues to grapple with the restrictions of the
Islamic regime. She faces arrests,
intimidation, and the loss of loved ones due to political activism and personal choices
Leaving Iran: Feeling increasingly stifled, Marjane makes the difficult decision to leave Iran
once again, this time for good. She moves to France to escape the political repression and
build a new li fe.
Reflections on Identity and Belonging: In France,Marjane reflects on her identity, cultural
heritage, and sense of belonging. She shares her experiences with new friends and comes
to terms with her complex identity as an Iranian in exile. The memoir ends with Marjane
contemplating the cyclical nature of history and acknowledging the challenges and
uncertainties of the future
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The Plot of Persepolis
War with Iraq
The Iran-Iraq War begins, and Marjane's family faces the hardships of
war, including bombings and rationing. Marjane's parents send her to
Vienna, Austria, to ensure her safety.
Life in Vienna
Marjane experiences a new culture in Vienna but struggles with
homesickness and a sense of displacement. She faces loneliness and
discrimination while studying there.
Return to Iran
Marjane returns to Iran after completing her education. She deals
with the challenges of finding her place in Iranian society once
again.
Account of the Main Events in Persepolis
Childhood in Tehran (Introduction): Marjane introduces herself
and her family in Tehran before the Islamic Revolution. She describes her family's
background and her early experiences as a spirited and independent-minded young girl.
Islamic Revolution (1979): The revolution unfolds as Marjane's family participates in
protests against the Shah's regime. The revolution leads to the establishment of an
Islamic Republic in Iran .
Life Under the New Regime: Marjane's family adjusts to the changes brought about by the
Islamic Republic. She navigates the strict rules imposed by the new government, including
mandatory veiling and segregated schools.
War with Iraq: The Iran-Iraq War begins, and Marjane's family faces the hardships of war,
including bombings and rationing. Marjane's parents send her to Vienna, Austria, to ensure
her saf ety.
Life in Vienna: Marjane experiences a new culture in Vienna but struggles with
homesickness and a sense of displacement. She faces loneliness and discrimination while
studying there.
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Return to Iran: Marjane returns to Iran after completing her education. She deals with the
challenges of finding her place in Iranian society once again.
Marriage and Divorce: Marjane enters into a short-lived marriage, which ends in divorce
due to her husband's infidelity. This
experience shapes her views on relationships and personal freedom.
Political and Personal Struggles: Marjane continues to grapple with the restrictions of the
Islamic regime. She faces arrests,
intimidation, and the loss of loved ones due to political activism and personal choices
Leaving Iran: Feeling increasingly stifled, Marjane makes the difficult decision to leave Iran
once again, this time for good. She moves to France to escape the political repression and
build a new li fe.
Reflections on Identity and Belonging: In France,Marjane reflects on her identity, cultural
heritage, and sense of belonging. She shares her experiences with new friends and comes
to terms with her complex identity as an Iranian in exile. The memoir ends with Marjane
contemplating the cyclical nature of history and acknowledging the challenges and
uncertainties of the future
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The Plot of Persepolis
Marriage and
Divorce
Marjane enters into a short-lived marriage, which ends in divorce due
to her husband's infidelity. This experience shapes her views on
relationships and personal freedom.
Political and
Personal Struggles
Marjane continues to grapple with the restrictions of the Islamic
regime. She faces arrests, intimidation, and the loss of loved ones
due to political activism and personal choices
Leaving Iran
Feeling increasingly stifled, Marjane makes the difficult decision to
leave Iran once again, this time for good. She moves to France to
escape the political repression and build a new life.
Account of the Main Events in Persepolis
Childhood in Tehran (Introduction): Marjane introduces herself
and her family in Tehran before the Islamic Revolution. She describes her family's
background and her early experiences as a spirited and independent-minded young girl.
Islamic Revolution (1979): The revolution unfolds as Marjane's family participates in
protests against the Shah's regime. The revolution leads to the establishment of an
Islamic Republic in Iran .
Life Under the New Regime: Marjane's family adjusts to the changes brought about by the
Islamic Republic. She navigates the strict rules imposed by the new government, including
mandatory veiling and segregated schools.
War with Iraq: The Iran-Iraq War begins, and Marjane's family faces the hardships of war,
including bombings and rationing. Marjane's parents send her to Vienna, Austria, to ensure
her saf ety.
Life in Vienna: Marjane experiences a new culture in Vienna but struggles with
homesickness and a sense of displacement. She faces loneliness and discrimination while
studying there.
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Return to Iran: Marjane returns to Iran after completing her education. She deals with the
challenges of finding her place in Iranian society once again.
Marriage and Divorce: Marjane enters into a short-lived marriage, which ends in divorce
due to her husband's infidelity. This
experience shapes her views on relationships and personal freedom.
Political and Personal Struggles: Marjane continues to grapple with the restrictions of the
Islamic regime. She faces arrests,
intimidation, and the loss of loved ones due to political activism and personal choices
Leaving Iran: Feeling increasingly stifled, Marjane makes the difficult decision to leave Iran
once again, this time for good. She moves to France to escape the political repression and
build a new li fe.
Reflections on Identity and Belonging: In France,Marjane reflects on her identity, cultural
heritage, and sense of belonging. She shares her experiences with new friends and comes
to terms with her complex identity as an Iranian in exile. The memoir ends with Marjane
contemplating the cyclical nature of history and acknowledging the challenges and
uncertainties of the future
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The Plot of Persepolis
Reflections on
Identity and
Belonging
In France, Marjane reflects on her identity, cultural heritage, and sense
of belonging. She shares her experiences with new friends and comes
to terms with her complex identity as an Iranian in exile. The memoir
ends with Marjane contemplating the cyclical nature of history and
acknowledging the challenges and uncertainties of the future
Account of the Main Events in Persepolis
Childhood in Tehran (Introduction): Marjane introduces herself
and her family in Tehran before the Islamic Revolution. She describes her family's
background and her early experiences as a spirited and independent-minded young girl.
Islamic Revolution (1979): The revolution unfolds as Marjane's family participates in
protests against the Shah's regime. The revolution leads to the establishment of an
Islamic Republic in Iran .
Life Under the New Regime: Marjane's family adjusts to the changes brought about by the
Islamic Republic. She navigates the strict rules imposed by the new government, including
mandatory veiling and segregated schools.
War with Iraq: The Iran-Iraq War begins, and Marjane's family faces the hardships of war,
including bombings and rationing. Marjane's parents send her to Vienna, Austria, to ensure
her saf ety.
Life in Vienna: Marjane experiences a new culture in Vienna but struggles with
homesickness and a sense of displacement. She faces loneliness and discrimination while
studying there.
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Return to Iran: Marjane returns to Iran after completing her education. She deals with the
challenges of finding her place in Iranian society once again.
Marriage and Divorce: Marjane enters into a short-lived marriage, which ends in divorce
due to her husband's infidelity. This
experience shapes her views on relationships and personal freedom.
Political and Personal Struggles: Marjane continues to grapple with the restrictions of the
Islamic regime. She faces arrests,
intimidation, and the loss of loved ones due to political activism and personal choices
Leaving Iran: Feeling increasingly stifled, Marjane makes the difficult decision to leave Iran
once again, this time for good. She moves to France to escape the political repression and
build a new li fe.
Reflections on Identity and Belonging: In France,Marjane reflects on her identity, cultural
heritage, and sense of belonging. She shares her experiences with new friends and comes
to terms with her complex identity as an Iranian in exile. The memoir ends with Marjane
contemplating the cyclical nature of history and acknowledging the challenges and
uncertainties of the future
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Key Characters in Persepolis
Marjane ‘Marji’ Satrapi
Marjane is the young, independent, intelligent and
rebellious protagonist of the book, Persepolis.
Marji’s Mother (Taji
Satrapi) and Father (Ebi
Satrapi)
Marji’s parents are some of the biggest constants in Marji’s
life and often influence her perspective, values and
behaviour.
Uncle Anoosh
Uncle Anoosh is only in Marji’s life for a short period of
time but he’s an important character who contributes to
her growth and development.
Marjane ‘Marji’ Satrapi
Marjane is the young, independent, intelligent and rebellious protagonist of the book,
Persepolis. Even as a child, she’s eager to learn as much as she can about the political
situation in Iran, both during and after the Revolution.
While she reads a lot and tries her hardest to make sense of the world she lives in, the
conflicting views and ideologies in post-Revolution Iran often leave her confused.
However, she isn’t afraid to ask questions and express her own opinions.
While this questioning of the Islamic regime often lands her in trouble at school, her
parents always encourage her to keep asking questions and speak out when something
isn’t right.
Influenced by her reading, her parents’ values and her family’s history, Marji’s very
passionate about social activism and when exposed to unjust or tragic moments such as
the death of a loved one or class inequalities within society, she responds with emotive
reactions such as anger, stubbornness and defiance.
Marji’s Mother (Taji Satrapi) and Father (Ebi Satrapi)
Marji’s parents are some of the biggest constants in Marji’s life and often influence her
perspective, values and behaviour. Their education, upper-middle-class social status and
modernist views mean they’re willing to take risks and rebel (even if it’s only small, subtle
acts) against the regime.
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During the Revolution, they’re involved in protests and demonstrations against the Shah
but when the new regime comes into power, they’re against its oppressive and repressive
laws.
While Marji’s parents initially demonstrate against the new regime too, they soon start to
worry about the dangers of openly protesting. Instead, they continue to live life on their
own terms and keep their rebellion private.
Throughout Persepolis, Marji’s parents always support her desire to learn more about the
political situation in Iran and value her education.
As the war against Iraq worsens and the regime becomes stricter, they prioritise her safety
and education and send her to Vienna to complete her studies. Having to say bye to their
only daughter leaves them heartbroken but they decide it’s for the best.
Uncle Anoosh
Uncle Anoosh is only in Marji’s life for a short period of time but he’s an important
character who contributes to her growth and development.
He fled to the USSR years ago but upon returning to Iran, he’s arrested for nine years.
Once he’s released, he visits Marji and quickly becomes her hero and one of her favourite
relatives.
Anoosh’s stories inspire her to value and never forget her family’s history of rebellion and
activism. Unfortunately, he is later arrested again and executed.
The death of her idol is a significant moment in Marji’s life and influences her decision to
reject her faith in God and her views about the Islamic Republic.
Marji’s grandmother
This is another important person in her life. She was married to a former prince but when a
new Shah took over Iran, her husband lost everything and was imprisoned for being a
communist.
While he was in jail, she remained resilient and raised their children, Marji’s mother and
uncles, despite living in poverty.
Marji finds her grandmother’s presence comforting and she’s often one of the few people
Marji confides in.
Before leaving for Vienna, Marji spends her last night with her grandmother, who gives her
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valuable advice about staying true to herself and keeping her dignity, even in a world
where people are often cruel, bitter and vengeful.
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Literary Techniques/ Literary Devices
Symbolism:
Juxtaposition
Veil, Cigarettes, Bread, Birds,
Childhood and Adulthood, innocence and simplicity, Iran and Europe
Personal and Political
Symbolism:
Veil: The veil is a recurring symbol in "Persepolis" and represents the oppression and
restrictions imposed on women in Iranian society. It symbolizes the loss of personal
freedom and individuality under the Islamic regime.
Cigarettes: Cigarettes symbolize rebellion and defiance against authority. Marjane's
smoking habit represents her rejection of societal norms and her desire for
independence.
Bread: Bread is used as a symbol of sustenance, comfort, and nourishment throughout the
graphic novel. It represents the resilience and strength of the Iranian people in the face of
adversit y.
Birds: Birds symbolize freedom and escape. They are often depicted in moments when
Marjane yearns for liberation or seeks solace from the oppressive realities of her
surroundings.
Juxtaposition
Childhood and Adulthood: Satrapi juxtaposes the innocence and simplicity of Marjane's
childhood with the complexities and challenges she faces as she grows into adulthood.
This contrast emphasizes the loss of innocence and the burdens of maturity.
Iran and Europe: Satrapi juxtaposes her experiences in Iran with her time in Europe,
highlighting the cultural differences and the clash between the values and expectations of
the two societies. This contrast underscores the theme of identity and the struggle of
navigating between two
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worlds.
Personal and Political: Satrapi juxtaposes personal stories and experiences with the
political events unfolding in Iran. By interweaving individual narratives with historical and
political context, she creates a layered narrative that explores both personal and societal
dimensions.
Once you have your techniques and examples sorted out, it’s time to jump into analysis!
It’s important to keep in mind that the focus of your analysis should be on supporting
your argument.
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Themes and Quotes
Identity and
Belonging
Freedom and
Oppression
Resilience and
Survival
Political
Unrest and
Revolution
Family and
Relationships
Loss
Coming of
age
Themes and Quotes (Five Themes, Three Quotes Each):
Identity and Belonging: "I was the last prophet in our family, and the last hope for my
parents." "I was born with religion." "The key to my Iranian mentality: martyrdom and
eternally blaming others."
Political Unrest and Revolution: "War always takes you by surprise." "I wanted to be
justice, love, and the wrath of God all in one." "Every situation has an opportunity for
laughs."
Freedom and Oppression: "Freedom has a price." "It's funny how the colors of the real
world only seem really real when you viddy them on the screen." "I wore it to piss them
off."
Family and Relationships: "I can't say I wasn't loved." "I wanted to be an educated person. I
wanted to be free." "There are more important things than the veil, like education."
Resilience and Survival: "I am the last remaining witness." "Life is incredibly good or
incredibly horrible." "Every morning, the gazelle and the lion wake up not knowing which
one they'll be."
.........................
Lets explore in detail Coming of age as a theme.
Coming of age is a literary theme that focuses on the psychological, emotional, and moral
growth of a character, typically from childhood or adolescence into adulthood. It explores
the character's journey of self-discovery, identity formation, and personal development
as they encounter significant life experiences, challenges, or turning points.
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A key aspect of coming of age is the character’s shift toward independence and selfreliance. As they grow, they take on more responsibility for their actions and decisions,
often moving away from the protection of parents or guardians and stepping into the
world on their own terms.
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Thank You for
Listening!
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