Name - Sakshi Raut

Class - 3 b
Roll -21/1291
Paper - Graphic narrative

Persepolis contains authorial choices that make a political statement. Do you agree?
Discuss with examples.

Persepolis, a graphic memoir by Marjane Satrapi, undeniably incorporates authorial choices

that convey powerful political statements. Satrapi's narrative, which recounts her
coming-of-age during the Iranian Revolution and its aftermath, is deeply intertwined with
political and social commentary. Through visual and textual elements, Satrapi presents a
nuanced portrayal of her experiences, shedding light on the complex socio-political
landscape of Iran.

One notable authorial choice is Satrapi's use of stark black-and-white illustrations. This
deliberate visual style not only distinguishes Persepolis from conventional graphic novels but
also serves a political purpose. The absence of color eliminates distractions, directing the
reader's focus solely on the narrative and the emotions conveyed. As critic Hillary Chute
observes, "Satrapi's use of stark black-and-white imagery enhances the raw and unfiltered
nature of her storytelling, emphasizing the harsh realities of life during the Iranian
Revolution."

Moreover, Satrapi strategically employs symbolism to convey political messages. The veil,
for instance, becomes a potent symbol throughout the memoir. In the early chapters, Satrapi
uses the veil as a visual metaphor for the changing political landscape in Iran. The
mandatory veiling of women reflects the imposition of strict Islamic ideologies. Satrapi's
depiction of herself reluctantly wearing the veil illustrates the societal constraints imposed on
women during the revolution. This symbolism is not merely aesthetic but carries a profound
political commentary on gender oppression in the context of a theocratic regime.
Critics like James C. Morrison commend Satrapi for her symbolic choices, noting, "The veil
becomes a powerful tool for Satrapi to comment on the broader socio-political issues in Iran,
providing readers with a visual language that transcends cultural barriers."

Furthermore, Satrapi's use of humor is a notable authorial choice that serves to make
political commentary more accessible. In Persepolis, humor becomes a coping mechanism
for Satrapi in the face of adversity. The juxtaposition of humor with serious political events
allows readers to engage with the narrative on multiple levels. Satrapi's witty and satirical
tone, as pointed out by critic Amy Malek, "serves as a subversive tool to challenge
oppressive systems, making the political discourse in Persepolis both impactful and
relatable."

Satrapi's decision to use a child's perspective as the primary lens for the narrative is
particularly impactful. Through the eyes of young Marjane, readers witness the gradual
transformation of Iran from a relatively secular society to an Islamic state. This choice not
only highlights the innocence lost in the wake of political change but also serves as a
poignant commentary on the indoctrination of young minds by the state. The juxtaposition of
childhood innocence with the harsh realities of political repression emphasizes the insidious
nature of ideological control.

Satrapi's decision to depict her characters with exaggerated features also contributes to the
political dimension of the memoir. By employing a more caricatured style, she transcends
individual identities, making the characters representative of broader societal issues. This
artistic choice serves as a powerful commentary on the universality of human experiences
amid political turmoil, emphasizing the collective impact of political decisions on everyday
lives.

In addition to artistic choices, Satrapi's narrative structure plays a crucial role in conveying
political messages. The memoir unfolds chronologically, mirroring the linear progression of
the Iranian Revolution and its aftermath. Choosing to tell her own story in an
autobiographical manner adds a layer of authenticity to "Persepolis." Satrapi's personal
experiences become a microcosm of the broader socio-political landscape, offering readers
a genuine and unfiltered perspective on the events that unfolded during the revolution and its
aftermath. It allows readers to witness Satrapi's personal evolution alongside the unfolding
political events, creating a seamless integration of the personal and the political. As critic
Emma Rosenblum notes, "Satrapi's narrative structure masterfully weaves the personal and
political, presenting a nuanced portrayal of the interconnectedness of individual lives with
broader socio-political contexts."

The dialogue in "Persepolis" also plays a crucial role in conveying political messages.
Satrapi uses conversations to explore differing perspectives on political issues, providing
readers with a nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding the Iranian
Revolution. Through the characters' dialogues, she presents a multiplicity of voices,
reflecting the diverse reactions and opinions within Iranian society.

Furthermore, the graphic novel's structure and pacing contribute to its political resonance.
Satrapi strategically organizes the narrative into distinct episodes, each capturing a specific
period or event in Iranian history. This episodic structure allows the author to delve into the
multifaceted aspects of the political landscape, offering a comprehensive exploration of the
societal changes brought about by the revolution.

While Persepolis has garnered widespread acclaim, it has also faced criticism. Some argue
that Satrapi's perspective may be too subjective, offering a limited view of the complexities of
Iranian history. However, defenders of the memoir, such as scholar Nima Naghibi, argue that
Satrapi's subjectivity is precisely what makes Persepolis a compelling and authentic
narrative. Naghibi asserts, "Satrapi's personal lens allows readers to empathize with the
human side of history, offering a unique and valuable perspective often absent in traditional
historical accounts."

In conclusion, Persepolis undeniably contains authorial choices that make profound political
statements. Through visual elements, symbolism, humour, and narrative structure, Marjane
Satrapi crafts a poignant commentary on the socio-political landscape of Iran during and
after the Islamic Revolution. Critics laud her for the effectiveness of these choices in
conveying complex political ideas while acknowledging the subjectivity inherent in a personal
memoir. Persepolis stands as a testament to the power of graphic storytelling to
communicate intricate political narratives, transcending cultural boundaries and resonating
with readers worldwide.

Bibliography

Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

https://youtu.be/l26IWC_8g3g?si=pXwQwzTvn16iwNI1
https://inbreakthrough.org/persepolis-book-review/
https://www.ijrar.org/papers/IJRAR19J3306.pdf