Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis is a groundbreaking graphic autobiography depicting her childhood and early adult years in Iran during and after the Islamic Revolution. Persepolis, referring to an ancient Persian city of the same name, reflects the deep cultural and historical roots that underpin her story. Through bold black-and-white illustrations and candid storytelling, Satrapi tells her story starting from a curious and outspoken child, growing up under an oppressive regime, to a rebellious teenager and, later, a young woman struggling with exile, identity, and belonging. Persepolis is as much a personal memoir as it is a poignant commentary on the broader themes of resistance, cultural heritage, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Through her illustrations, Satrapi shows the complexities of her experiences with immediacy and emotional resonance that might be difficult to achieve with prose alone. Her art style is simple—a deliberate choice that directs the reader’s focus to the emotional core of the scenes portrayed. For example, the contrast between oppressive government propaganda and intimate family moments underscores the tension between public and private life in revolutionary Iran. These visual representations provide a window into her life that might otherwise feel unrelatable and distant for readers with a different background. In one scene, for example, Marjane mischievously wears Western sneakers and a Michael Jackson pin under her veil, a subtle yet powerful act of rebellion. Furthermore, the graphic format also keeps humor, irony, and lightness in her story that is often heavy. Persepolis demonstrates how graphic novels are not just a medium for entertainment, but also a powerful tool in storytelling, capable of tackling profound themes like identity, resistance, and exile.
Through Marjane’s experiences, the work delves into several themes. It’s a powerful exploration of identity and belonging, as she navigates her Iranian background and Western ideals, reflecting the universal struggle of finding oneself between cultures. Resistance and oppression are central, with Marjane’s rebellious acts and her family’s quiet resilience highlighting the courage required to stand against authoritarianism. As a coming-of-age story, the novel portrays her transformation from a curious child to an independent adult shaped by war, exile, and loss. Persepolis also captures the devastating impact of conflict, illustrating both the personal and collective toll of trauma, shaping her journey from an idealistic child to a disillusioned adult.
The story of Persepolis is set mainly in Iran during the late 1970s and 1980s. The Islamic Revolution of 1979 marked the overthrow of the Shah’s monarchy and the establishment of a theocratic regime under Ayatollah Khomeini, introducing strict religious laws and suppressing political dissent. Satrapi’s family, descended from Iranian royalty, is privileged, but becomes a target as the regime cracks down on perceived opposition. Readers witness the erosion of personal freedoms, political imprisonment, and the devastating effects of the Iran-Iraq War. But the novel also moves beyond Iran, going into Marjane’s teenage years in Europe as an exile, where she deals with big geographical and cultural shifts. This part highlights her struggle with displacement, alienation, and coming to terms with her Iranian identity. The juxtaposition of revolutionary Iran and Western Europe shows the complex and difficult journey of navigating multiple worlds and the search for belonging.
Although set in the 1980s, Persepolis remains deeply relevant. Marjane’s struggle to define herself, both within and outside her homeland, mirrors the experiences of many navigating diasporic identities. The story also contributes to broader discussions about resistance under oppressive regimes, reminding readers of the power of individual and collective resistance, particularly relevant to ongoing protests and movements in Iran and across the Middle East. Finally, Persepolis can be used to understand Middle Eastern history. Satrapi’s personal story of the impact of the Islamic Revolution and the Iran-Iraq War bridges the gap between historical events and the human experience. The book’s accessibility, especially as a graphic novel, makes it a useful resource for those seeking to understand the region’s complexities and socio-political developments.
Marjane Satrapi is an Iranian-born author, illustrator, and filmmaker whose work often reflects her personal experiences and heritage. She was born in 1969 in Rasht, Iran, and grew up in a progressive family that valued education and freedom. As a teenager she moved to Europe, deeply influencing her worldview and creative voice. Persepolis draws from these experiences. Satrapi is now based in France, where she has become a prominent figure in contemporary art and cinema, directing critically acclaimed films such as Persepolis (2007) and Radioactive (2019), while continuing to challenge perceptions of Iranian identity and history through her work.
Discussion questions:
- How does Persepolis challenge stereotypes about Iranian society and women’s roles?
- How does the novel balance personal and political storytelling?
- In what ways does Marjane’s experience as an exile shape her identity?
- What role does family play in Marjane’s journey?