Persepolis, Lesson 12: Life under Islamic rule

L.O.Understanding how the author achieves her goal.

Starter• What did Marjane Satrapi hope to show us

with her novel?• ‘… this old and great civilization has been

discussed mostly in connection with fundamentalism, fanaticism, and terrorism. As an Iranian who has lived more than half of my life in Iran, I know this image is far from the truth. This is why writing Persepolis is important to me. I believe that an entire nation should not be judged by the wrongdoings of a few extremists.’

• Let’s find out how she managed to show us this in ‘The Socks’, ‘The Wedding’ & ‘The Satellite’

Voicing your opinion on sex• Very often Satrapi uses voice over to give her

full opinion on an issue. In the following splash (p.305), Satrapi gives us a clear idea on how she regards Iran’s stance on sex. Discuss this splash in your groups and talk about: a) how specific these issues are to Iran (if they are…?) b) how she manages to make it specific yet universal at the same time c) how this incident would be regarded in your own culture.

• Be ready to share your ideas!

Rules revisited once again• In the chapters ‘The Socks’, ‘The Wedding’ & ‘The

Satellite’ we are once again confronted with the rules and laws in the Islamic Republic of Iran and with the ways Marjane and the people around her use to circumvent these rules. By showing us this, she offers a picture of people like you and me, who are not machines, have feelings, want to enjoy life and, like everyone else, make the best of their lives whichever way they can.

• List all the rules we come across in these chapters and write down how the Iranians get around them.

The effect of all these rules• Satrapi offers her readers several strong

messages on page 304 & page 325. These panels are among the clearest ones to prove why the Iranian government was not happy with the publication of Persepolis and banned the book (Check: http://socialistworker.org/2013/03/26/banning-Persepolis for more on the novel’s controversial reception). The (words in the) titles - socks and satellites - are clear symbols of resistance.

• Write down the messages Satrapi offers in these panels in your own words.

Marjane’s relationship• Marjane and Reza decide to get

married… Why? What does she show us about Iran with this wedding?

• Marjane’s father supports her decision to get married, even though her mother has doubts. Write down what reasons either parent has for their response.

• Do you understand this decision?

• Does the wedding help the author reach her purpose?

Plenary• Do you feel Satrapi manages to show

us that the Iranian people are just like you and me?

• Answer PEA, find good examples and try to get your evidence from both her words and her images.