Satrapi's Persepolis

Persepolis was my first graphic novel experience…and I found it to be wonderful. I finished the book in almost one sitting as I found it hard to put it down! I was delighted by Marjane Satrapi from the very beginning, and her inquisitiveness as a little girl reminded me of myself very much. At her young age, Marjane was able to look past the social classes that plagued her society, as well as the idea that men are subservient to women. To me, one of the most touching parts of the novel is when Mehri comes to live with Marjane and her family to work as a maid. Marjane writes love letters to the neighbor next door for Mehri who is illiterate. When the neighbor boy finds out that Mehri is but a maid, and not ranked “respectably” in social standing, he dismisses her. Marjane is distraught. She says, “When I went back to her room she was crying. We were not in the same social class but at least we were in the same bed” (37). This passage, however simple, is incredibly moving. Marjane, even as a young girl is wise beyond her years. The irony of this statement is that in her naivety she is actually more knowledgeable of the world than any adult or politician who abides by the regimes rules of class.

As much as I felt a sense of closeness and admiration for Marjane’s character, at times, I felt angered by her lack of concern and somewhat indifference towards her unjust society. Later in the novel in the chapter titled “The Makeup” Marjane fabricates a story, so as not to get herself arrested for wearing makeup. She accuses an innocent man of saying obscenities to her. While reading this, I was devastated. Although Marjane fully regretted the responsibility of getting an innocent man arrested, I feel that this scene proves just how easy it is for one to give in to the “trap” of a society such as Iran’s. Very saddening, yet effective.