Persepolis Summary

In summary, Persepolis was about Marjane’s family life throughout the Revolution and the hardships they faced like most people in Iran. The Revolution of Iran took place in 1978 to 1979, the people of Iran wanted to overthrow the Shah and they demonstrated their discontent through protests, yet the government had the upper hand and would not allow any sign of rebellion. However, life after the Revolution was much worse, laws were stricter and there was more destruction because the war. In spite of that, Marjane’s family participated in demonstrations and openly spoke about their political views and this influenced Marjane’s life. The scenes in the graphic novel Persepolis not only tell the story of a young girl growing up, but they also help

readers to understand how Iran’s Revolution impacted its people.
Additionally, in the chapter, “The Water Cell” a conversation between Marjane and her parents takes place that show a significant aspect of life on Iran. After Marjane parents came back from a demonstration, she asked them to play monopoly with her they say no. She gets upset and angrily responds that contrary to her parents she believes that the Shah was sent by God because that’s what she learned at school. “As for me, I love the king, he was chosen by God” Marjane states. Her father replies, “Who told you that?” She replies, “My teacher and God” (Satrapi, 19) This reveals how the government had the power to control what children learned and what influenced them so they wouldn’t go against the Shah. Overall, this scene demonstrates the government’s control over people’s lives showing that the government has the most power.
Moreover, when Marjane discovers the torture methods she decides to make a game out of it like any child would.

“‘In the name of the dead million, we’ll teach Ramin a good less, I have an idea....’ My Idea was to put nail between our fingers like American Brass knuckles and to attack Ramin.” (Satrapi, 45). This is significant because Marjane’s childlike perspective drive her to use a torture method as part of the game. She doesn’t think of the pain it could others endured because she’s just a child.

In “The Party”, the Shah finally leaves in exile and the people of Iran are celebrating. In Marjane’s house, the family is watching the news and they hear the current status of the former Shah. Marjane’s father comments,. “It looks like Carter has forgotten his friends, all that interests him is oil” ( Satrapi, 43). This demonstrates the US involvement in the Islamic Revolution and how that affected the life in Iran. The United States was only friends with Iran because Iran was their source for oil, so after the Shah left the government of US no longer supported Iran’s leader.

Ultimately, through scenes of Persepolis, readers better understand the life in Iran during the Revolution through the eyes of Marjane. Before reading the novel I was unaware of the Revolution of Iran and how people lived during this time of crisis. I was surprised that novel did not have a happy

ending.