crapnugget

How does the main character change the way she views class difference throughout Marjane Satrapi's graphic novel “persepolis”?

Marjane Satrapi's autobiography “Persepolis”, is a graphic novel set (at first) in Iran during the 1980's. The Novel follows the story of Marjane, a young middle class Persian girl growing up during a difficult time in Iran. Throughout the novel, social class and class difference are reoccurring themes; as Marjane's parents were highly involved politically, and their influence lead her to a state of outward awareness towards the subject. As she grows up she is subjected to many life changing experiences, including wars, regime changes, and temporary homelessness. These experiences all lead to constant changes in the ways she views the social class divide. In the course of this essay I will attempt to explore these changes in Marjane's perceptions of the classes; most importantly her own, and divine the reasons for them.
It is my opinion that the main character moves from dislike of social divide, and a dislike of her elevated status, to complacency, and finally gratitude; and that these changes are brought on due to her own experiences of hardship. Throughout this essay I will attempt to demonstrate and rationalize this belief.

When Marjane was young, she did not understand the class differences, or their relevance in society. Despite this, she already realized that there existed inequalities, and felt a need to change them. As a child she envisioned herself as a prophet; spreading peace and equality throughout the her nation. Marjane explains “I wanted to become a prophet.... Because our maid did not eat with us. Because my father had a Cadillac.” (9). This was said by Marj...

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...utraged. The tenacity of the ruling class seemed to shock them, as did how easily the lower class was manipulated. Marjane explained “ The key to paradise was for the poor people. Thousands of kids, promised a better life, exploded on the minefields with their keys around their necks.” (105). Despite this accusatory way of thinking and her obvious dislike for this event, she crassly states that “Meanwhile I got to go to my first party.” (105). While it is understandable that Marjane should feel that there is nothing she, being only one small girl can do to change the course of events, the Marjane before the war would not have accepted this atrocity and continued with her life as if nothing had happened. It is obvious that Marjane was beginning to change; now instead of actively wanting to and trying to change peoples lives, she offers them only her empty sympathies.