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"Persepolis" by Marjane Satrapi, politics - Coggle Diagram
"Persepolis"
by Marjane Satrapi
Thematic Tensions in "The Veil"
The comic starts in the middle of things.
Establishes a comparison of war to the thought of coming of age: war comes abruptly and gradually affects our personal lives (Stella)
The struggle of wearing the veil presents tension between the self and society.
A time of self-discovery and self-expression: there is a defiance towards societal restrictions that get in the way of identity-formation (Rapha)
Personal identity and cultural expectations do not meet eye-to-eye; demonstrations were organized as a struggle for agency and a symbolism against culturally-imposed norms that do not promote self-growth. (Spencer)
Point of View of the War
experiences & insights of a child amidst war and violence
struggle to comprehend
war
religion
suppressing people's beliefs
consequences: torture, death
limited opportunities
moving to different country for freedom
growth & changes amidst war
identity
resistance
how others' ideas can affect child's beliefs
inidividualizes narratives told
"human" costs of conflict
Subversive Potential of Play
play as a subversive device and coping mechanism
somehow "blithe" attitude
juxtaposes playful reactions with war
contrast between Marji's life & Iran's situation
Marji jumping in the air for joy vs. children flung through the air during war
indicative of Marji's naivete and privilege
how children make sense of societal issues that have a limited understanding of
ideas of justice are explored when Marji and her friends plan to attack Ramin
"good" vs. "bad" guys
allows children to express beliefs that institutions tend to suppress and contradict
humor is used as a means to:
retain agency
distance self from horrors of war
a form of resistance against the despair caused by the conflict
protects children from institutions’ control and subsequent punishment
relieve readers from the "heaviness" of war narratives
Intersections of Marji's Social Positions
Social positions can be hindering but privilege elevates a person’s opportunities and security.
A child’s ability to comprehend the harsh realities of war may cause distress and danger. However, at the same time, privilege and family background encouraged critical thinking, sense of agency, and radical understanding. (Hash & Pam)
Being surrounded with people with first-hand accounts involving the war, access to education and resources further amplified Marji’s radicalism and formation of ideologies. (Pauhua)
Satrapi's Comic Style
Minimalist art style and black-and-white comic coloring: mirrors the physical, political, and psychological spheres of discord in Iran
Portrays war’s consequences as it is: a reign of horror and brutality which evokes strong feelings of empathy towards the oppressed (Kurt)
Humanizes victims as people longing for peace in times of severe conflict; they are individuals with hope despite the presence of trauma (Ray)
The war is seen through the eyes of a child, who may simplify gray areas into black-and-white: perceptions of the atrocities are simplified. (Biboy)
politics