Reaction to Persepolis - Essay Example

The novel, ‘Persepolis’ by Marjane Satrapi is unique in its representation of vital ideas and issues of religion, revolution and changing society as seen from the eyes of a child. The book reflects the time when King was overthrown by religious leader, Khomeini. The books portrays the changing times and human relationship through pictorial depiction and text. The illustrations are drawn by the author herself and the feelings of various characters are distinctly displayed through gestures and clothing.

The book has showcased the ideas of Islamic revolution from a new perspective which is both fresh and highly revealing of a time when Iran was under the spiritual leadership of Khomeini. Indeed, it discloses social changes in a way which is both praiseworthy and highly innovative. Persepolis is a fiction which is uniquely different in its graphical representation. It is both interesting and funny in its anecdotes. But at the same time, it has been successful in informing the world as to how the religious revolution had impacted the common man.

The post monarchy period was a turbulent time for the nation which has been much misunderstood by the rest of the world. Through the book, Satrapi has shown that even during the religious rule, the common man had same aspirations and dreams as of other countries who might be undergoing traumatic socio-political upheaval.Persepolis’ graphics are sharp and text is crisp which succinctly conveys the changes that take place in the country during and after the religious revolution. During the Monarchy, Iran was a modern country where people were free to express themselves.

But revolution changes everything overnight and the very people, who used to praise the Shah turn against him. The earlier secular regime was found to be politically corrupt by new government. The friendly police, under religious leadership, suddenly became more menacing. Satrapi’s novel shows these changes and portrays society under Khomeini. It accurately reflects the social changes that had become more distinct in their threatening postures of the revolutionaries and stringent Islamic code of conduct.

Most interesting has been her childhood imaginations where she aspires to become the Prophet so that she can make the world better. But she would also rather become soldier so she could defend her country when Iraq had attacked! The author has shown the passionate desire of a child who wants to reform and resolve all the social problems. At one point she says ‘I wanted to be a Prophet because.. my maid did not eat with us.my grandmother’s knees always ached..’. The book has been distinct in its portrayal of ideas and people as observed by the protagonist, who is on a wheelchair.

Her observations of religious fanatism are reflected in the veils of women and long bearded, gun toting revolutionaries who are watching people on streets. These are important elements of the book which have been explicitly illustrated with great sensitivity.The protagonist has used her wild imagination and has created identities that can triumph over adverse situations. The book has been exemplary in its explicit graphics which express the various emotions of the people. Indeed, the book forces the people to look beyond traumatic events and understand the wider implications of the changes that one undergoes during social revolution.

(words: 540)ReferenceSatrapi, Marjane. Persepolis. Pantheon Books, 2003.