The Theme Of Revolution In Persepolis

Callista Wilson

IHSS 10

20 September 2017

The Theme of Revolution in Persepolis

The Islamic Revolution originated with Marxism- the idea that class should not separate workers- and occurred during the late seventies in Iran. It eventually lead to the establishment of The Islamic Republic and the banishment of the current monarch in 1979. In the Graphic Novel, Persepolis, Marjane discusses her books and states, “But my favorite was a comic book entitled, “Dialectic Materialism” In my book you could see Marks and Descartes”(12). The ideas of the revolution are not only present in the minds of the revolutionists, but also in the minds of their children. In addition, the revolution changes Iran more than protesters expected. For instance, many of the protesters, including Marjane's parents, lived  modern and secular lifestyles. They immediately became rebellious to the Islamic Republic’s strict religious rules by having parties, drinking alcohol, and looking down on their neighbors, who were loyal to the Republic. Marjane’s mother justifies her reasons for hanging black curtains by stating, “Across the street. They’re totally devoted to the new regime. A glimpse of what goes on in our house would be enough for them to denounce us!” (105). Marjane’s mother who once attended violent protests to cause the revolution becomes defiant and secretive towards the Republic and it’s followers.    Similarly, Marjane, who earlier snuck off to protest with her family’s made , reflects the actions of her parents by making fun of her teacher at school when being told to respect the new revolutionary ideas. Overall, the revolution is the main cause for change and the main cause for complexity in the plot of Persepolis. The ideas of revolution can bee seen in the books which Marjane reads, and the unexpected changes it causes can be observed in how Marjane and her parents reacted to the revolution.  

Works Cited

Afary, Janet. “Iranian Revolution of 1978–79.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 12 July 2017, www.britannica.com/event/Iranian-Revolution-of-1978-1979.

Satrapi, Marjane. The Complete Persepolis. SAPL, 2013.