The Similarities Between Marji And Antigone

Many unrelated characters from different works of art could end up having very similar and contrasting qualities to each other. Marji, from the novel Persepolis, and Antigone, from the playwright Antigone, have many qualities that make them both similar and different from each other.

The similarities between Marji and Antigone are quite noticeable. On page 15, line 47 and 48; Antigone said, “ I’ll bury my brother – your brother, too, though you refuse! I’ll not be found a traitor.” Antigone knew that it was absolutely forbidden for anyone, including herself, to bury her brother’s body. Even with knowing this, she insisted on doing it anyway. The king was the one to constitute this rule, so it takes a lot to go against this kind of “high power.”

This shows that she stands up for what she believes in, and will not take “no” for an answer. This resembles Marji because when she decided to go out and protest against the Shah with her housekeeper (pg. 38) she knew she was not allowed to do so. She had also stood up for what she believed in and protested against the “high power” of the Shah. Another major similarity between them was that they not only stood up to the “high power” in a verbal way, but also took action. Once Creon had found out Antigone had committed the crime he immediately wanted to speak with her. On page 29, line 458; King Creon asked Antigone, “And yet you dared to overstep these laws?” King Creon was absolutely shocked that Antigone had been able to perform the burial rites for her brother even while knowing that there would be consequences if caught. It is one thing to believe in doing something, versus actually doing it. Marji had took her beliefs to action when she had begun to rebel against the
Shah. One example of this was when she went out in public in clothes that she knew went against the government’s rules (pg. 133).

Marji and Antigone may make act in a similar way, but their personalities and the way they express themselves are completely different.

On page 29, line 452; Antigone admitted to King Creon, “ I assert that I did it; I do not deny it.” This shows Antigone’s ability to accept the consequences for her actions. It was very brave of her to admit she committed the crime instead of trying to seem like she wasn’t guilty. It even looked like she took pride in what she had done. On the other hand, when Marji’s parents confronted her about how she went out to protest, she acted very shy and sorrowful. She felt very bad for herself and ashamed of her actions (pg. 39). Even when she had got caught rebelling in public she lied to try and get out of it. The fact that she burst out in tears just shows she isn’t emotionally stable enough to accept her punishments. Another way Antigone and Marji differ is how Antigone refuses to ever go against her religion, but Marji fights against the religious rules in her country. The reason Antigone thinks she must burry her dead brother is because of her religious beliefs. On page 16, line 78; Antigone says to her sister Ismene, “dishonor the gods’ commands, if you wish.” She believes that without a proper burial you will not be able to be with the Gods in your afterlife. This shows just how much she is willing to risk obeying her religious duties. The reason Marji rebels is because she doesn’t accept the rules of the religion. The first scene in

Persepolis, Marji states that she and her classmates do not understand why they
have to wear a veil (pg.3). Since they do not understand why they have to follow rules based on their religion, they feel they must rebel. These differences greatly impact both of their personalities.

These similarities and differences between these two characters are very important. Without them it would be more difficult to analyze the thoughts and actions of each of them. The overall similarity between Antigone and Persepolis is that they are both very strong young women and feel that it is right to stand up for your beliefs and take action. The main difference between them is how they express themselves. Antigone is very brave and understanding while Marji is apologetic and afraid of getting punished. Both of these aspects make their personalities intriguing in their own way.