Persepolis novel review

Persepolis novel review

Throughout time Iran has been part of many conflicts not only with other countries but within their own people, causing Iran to be known as a war zone. In the novel Persepolis, written by Marjane Satrapi, Marjane talks about her childhood as a young Iranian female living during the Islamic Revolution. and the daily challenges she and her country faced. During Marjane’s childhood, everyone was in danger causing each citizen in Iran to take caution and seek for a better, safer future. The ruling of the Shah and Ayatollah were what influenced the government’s choices for citizens to follow.  Then came the Islamic Revolution causing a war between Iran and Iraq that lasted from 1779 to 1980 . Many conflicts took part causing Iranians to longer have the freedom, equity or safety they deserved. The Satrapi family chose that Marjane should move away from Iran to Austria due to the negative support women were receiving, the absence of a good education and the lack of safety in the country.

To begin, for a long time now, all over the world it has been hard to adapt equal rights for women and men. The society Marjane grew up in is a perfect example as to why it was dangerous for women to live in Iran at this time. With the Shah ruling Iran, Iranians had the choice over their appearance, once Ayatollah took over many women lost the……In the novel, it states, “Then came 1980: The year it became obligatory to wear the veil at school. We did not like to wear the veil, especially since we didn’t understand why we had to.” (Satrapi, 4, 5). Women did not have a choice on what they got to wear, a very unfair dress code was made just for women. This law was being adapted to women’s lives and without explanation making the situation even worse. Men had nothing to worry about, their rights were not being taken away from them, rather given more power. It goes further than just dress code women were no longer being seen as people with lives and feelings.

For example, “You know that it’s against the law to kill a virgin, so a guardian of the revolution marries her and takes her virginity before executing her. Do you understand what that means???” (Satrapi, 145, 6-8). This proves that with this act of punishment women were seen as property, they were not respected in any way. Women had no other choice than to stay quiet. They were afraid to speak up with the fear of being raped then executed. These are just two of many more cases where women were put through such horrible treatment. Marjane’s parents were aware of the threat Marjane was being put on living in Iran, due to her outspoken mind where she was not afraid to speak up for what she thought was wrong.

Additionally, having a good education is a commitment many strive to receive. Marjane’s parents wanted nothing but the best for her future. They realized that in Iran Marjane was not going to receive the education they wished. Children started to have rebellious behavior. They no longer took anything serious only as a game.  On page 98 it states, “Well-behaved? So they can hit themselves twice a day? So they can be carved from head to toe? So that they can be forbidden to play like the kids they are?” (Satrapi, Panel. 4). This panel takes place after an incident where the parents of the girls were called in by the principal, due to the rebellious behavior the girls were showing. The parents did not agree with the principle and were very upset about the school not providing the right education. It can be concluded that schools were worried about teaching the students religious rituals rather than the necessary subjects they needed in order to be successful. To add on, the education the children were receiving was based on lies, they were not being taught the truth. To demonstrate in the novel it mentions, “Since the Islamic republic was founded we no longer have political prisoners… You say that we don’t have political prisoners anymore, but we’ve gone from 3000 prisoners under Shah to 30,000 under Regime. How dare you lie to us like that”. (Satrapi, Pg. 144, Panel. 1,4,5). In this panel, the teacher is explaining to the students how they no longer have political prisoners, but Marjane is very educated in politics, therefore, she tells the whole class the truth without hesitation exposing the teacher for giving them information that is false. This proves that the education given needed improvement and it was not being done. When receiving an education like this, opportunities are limited. Marjane comes from well-educated parents with a future full of opportunities, and her parents want her the have the same. When moving to Austria Marjane will have the best education she can possibly get. As in Iran, the absence of a good education is a set back for all of those goals.

Lastly, living in a safe environment is definitely important, but when living in Iran that is not guaranteed. Iranians had to constantly find hideouts where their families would not be harmed. The author mentions, “Considering the damage they do, whether we’re in the basement or on the roof, it’s the same thing.” (Satrapi, Pg. 136, Panel. 3). With this, the reader can conclude that Iran is not safe no matter where citizens decide to seek shelter. Marjane’s parents want to send her out of Iran, therefore she would not have to grow up with a traumatizing childhood. Also, citizens had to stay alert for any sign that indicated that they were in danger around them. As mentioned in the graphic novel, “Every time the siren rang out everyone would run downstairs.” (Satrapi, Pg. 103, Panel, 1). This simple quote shows how Iran definitely lacked safety and a healthy environment.  Citizens of Iran could not live peacefully without worry. Rather than settling the issues they had with other countries to keep their people safe, they let it be, and let citizens handle it they best could.

The ultimate decision for the Satrapi’s to send Marjane away from Iran was influenced by the negative treatment women were receiving in the country, the lack of a good education and the poor safety in Iran. Women were being treated unfairly with no right to speak up without being punished for it. The education Iranians were receiving was based on lies and rituals they did not understand nor took seriously. As well as, all citizens had to live in fear and alert in case of any strange surroundings.  Living in a society full of danger comes with many negative obstacles as well as limitations.