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Key biographical information that contributes to the graphic memoir.

1. Family Background: Marjane Satrapi was born into a well-educated and politically active family in Rasht, Iran. Her parents were both intellectuals and politically engaged, which played a crucial role in shaping her perspectives on the political events unfolding in Iran.

2. Political Activism: Satrapi's family had a history of political activism, supporting leftist and Marxist movements. The graphic memoir reflects how the political climate in Iran during her childhood influenced her worldview and shaped her understanding of social justice and political resistance.

3. Cultural and Gender Challenges: As a young girl, Satrapi faced challenges imposed by the new Islamic regime, such as mandatory veiling, restrictions on personal freedoms, and the marginalization of women. Her struggles with identity, autonomy, and gender roles are central themes in the memoir.

4. Challenges in France: Satrapi faced new challenges in France, including cultural differences, language barriers, and the struggle to find her identity as an Iranian in a Western society. These challenges are interwoven into the narrative as she navigates her way through adolescence and early adulthood.

The importance of this literary form and its impact on future writers.

1. Visual Storytelling: Graphic memoirs combine visual elements with written narratives, offering a unique form of storytelling that engages both the visual and textual senses. The combination of words and images allows for a more immersive and emotionally resonant experience for readers.

2. Cross-Cultural Understanding: Works like "Persepolis" contribute to cross-cultural understanding by providing readers with a window into the lived experiences of individuals from different backgrounds. The combination of images and words facilitates a deeper understanding of cultural nuances and historical contexts.

3. Educational Value: Graphic memoirs can be powerful educational tools. They engage readers in historical and cultural narratives, making complex subjects more accessible to a broad audience. This visual format is particularly effective in conveying personal stories within the larger context of historical and political events.

4. Inspiration for Future Writers: Successful graphic memoirs, such as "Persepolis," serve as inspiration for future writers and artists. The combination of visual art and narrative storytelling encourages creativity and innovation in storytelling techniques. Aspiring authors may be motivated to explore the graphic memoir format as a means of expressing their own unique stories.

5. Adaptability to Film and Other Media: Many graphic memoirs, including "Persepolis," have been successfully adapted into films or other media. The visual nature of these works makes them well-suited for adaptation, expanding their reach and impact beyond the realm of literature.

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The Islamic Revolution in Iran (1978-1979)

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The Islamic Revolution in Iran (1978-1979)

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Understanding the causes, major events, and outcomes of the revolution.

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Understanding the causes, major events, and outcomes of the revolution.

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Causes:

1. Authoritarian Rule: Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi's autocratic rule and close ties with Western powers, particularly the United States, led to the disatisfaction among Iranians.

2. Social Injustice: There were significant social and economic difference in Iran, with the wealthy elite benefiting at the expense of the majority of the population facing economic hardships.

3. Religious Opposition: Religious leaders, particularly Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, mobilized opposition against the Shah's secular regime, advocating for the establishment of an Islamic Republic.

Major events:

1. Protests and Demonstrations (1978): Widespread protests, strikes, and demonstrations erupted across Iran, fueled by anger against the Shah's rule and demands for political change.

2. Exile of the Shah (1979): In January 1979, facing mounting pressure, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi fled Iran, signaling the end of his regime.

3. Return of Ayatollah Khomeini: Ayatollah Khomeini returned from exile to a hero's welcome and became the Supreme Leader, laying the groundwork for the establishment of the Islamic Republic.

4. Declaration of the Islamic Republic (1979): On April 1, 1979, Iran officially became the Islamic Republic, marking a shift to an Islamic government and the implementation of Islamic law.

Outcomes:

1. Establishment of the Islamic Republic:

The Islamic Republic was established and Ayatollah Khomeini was the new leader

2. Cultural and Political Changes:

The new government implemented Islamic laws, leading to significant cultural and political transformations.

3. Anti-Western Sentiment:

The revolution increased anti-Western sentiment in Iran, and relations with the United States became strained.

4. Impact on Women's Rights:

The revolution had mixed effects on women's rights, with some gains initially followed by more conservative policies.

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Religious Context: Shia Islam in Iran: (Hans)

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Religious Context: Shia Islam in Iran: (Hans)

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Persia as the birthplace of Zoroastrianism

The Shia-Sunni split emerged over the dispute over the successor of Muhammad: Ali ibn Abi Talib (Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law) v. Abu Bakr (the first caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate, appointed by a council)

Shiism became established under the rule of Abbas I (1587-1629). People were forced to accept Twelver Shiism, and by 1602 most Sunnis had converted.

While all Muslims rever Ahl al-Bayt, Shia Islam holds the Ahl al-Bayt (Muhammad’s family) in very high esteem. Muhammad’s grandson, Husayn ibn Ali, for instance, has the very significant Imam Husayn Shrine dedicated to him.

Ashura, while in Sunni Islam it is celebrated due to its marking the day of several positive events, in Shia islam it is a day of mourning, marking the death of Husayn ibn Ali in the battle of Karbala following his refusal to pledge allegiance to the second Umayyad caliphate.

Concept of Velayat-e Faqih (guardianship of the jurist), whereby a religious leader has political authority.

In his book, Khomeini established the doctrine of the faqih as ruler.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, established by Khomeini in 1979, has helped enforce Islamic fundamental ideals in Persia

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The status and rights of women before and after the revolution:

Before the revolution in Iran, women were acquiring rights

They had more freedom and rights, such as the ability to vote and hold public office.

After the revolution in 1979, there were significant changes that affected

women's rights and social status.

This includes:

1. Women not being allowed tot ravel without their husband's permission

2. Seek employment without a male relatives permission

3. Show her hair in public

4. Limited participation in political processes

Iran's segregated society:

1. Women are separated from men in the workplace

2. Girls and boys have their own classrooms

3. Women sit in the back of the bus

The symbolism and significance of the veil (hijab):

The hijab holds significant cultural and religious symbolizm for muslim women representing

modesty, privacy, and morality.

Also a way to express religious identity and faith.

Attitudes towards the hijab can vary among individuals.

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Iranian Education System and Youth Culture

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Iranian Education System and Youth Culture

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The structure and ideology of education in Iran before and after the revolution. Before the Revolution (pre-1979):

Secular Education System

Emphasis on Western Values

After the Revolution (post-1979):

Islamicization of Education

Separation of Genders

The challenges and opportunities faced by young people like Marjane. Before the Revolution (pre-1979):

Political Repression

Modernization and Western Influence

After the Revolution (post-1979):

Islamic Values and Cultural Shifts

Political Activism

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1. Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi- the monarch wanted to quickly westernize and modernize Iran. However this created social disparities. Westernization that came with the dependence on western nations in the hopes to modernize Iran brought about hard cultural tensions, between the traditionalist and liberals.

2. This ultimately cumulated until 1979, when the Islamic Revolution took place, lead by the religious scholar Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who south to create an Islamic state.

3. Creation of the Islamic State lead to the introduction of the Islamic Law, for example strict dress codes for women and limitations of personal freedoms. ("Persepolis" highlights how an individual was impacted by these changes and explores personal perspectives.)

4. In the Persepolis the Islamic State went to war with Iraq (1980 - 1988), which is a big part of the novel, this was caused mainly by a history of border disputes and finally after Iran demanded the overthrow of Saddam Hussein's regime..

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The treatment of political dissidents, intellectuals, and activists.

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The treatment of political dissidents, intellectuals, and activists.

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1. People from every kind were imprisoned, fled or Exiled from Iran during Shah rain or power and the current Islamic Republic of Iran.

2. But those who were unfortunate to be locked up could face beating, torture, starvation, family threats and worst death. Which unfortunately not uncommon if you were imprisoned by the Shah’s secret police or known as SAVAK.

3. And for the Islamic Republic of Iran things did not change much but now criminals were treated worse facing the right hand is amputated for a first serious offense and the left foot for a second serious offence.

4. Islamic Republic of Iran which violate international human rights norms include harsh penalties for crimes, punishment of victimless crimes such as fornication and homosexuality, execution of offenders under 18 years of age, restrictions on freedom of speech.

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Marjane's personal experiences with family members who were political prisoners.

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Marjane's personal experiences with family members who were political prisoners.

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1. Marjane parents were not political prisoners but her uncle was as he supported the communist party

2. Marjane’s view on politics was greatly shaped by the Islamic Republic of Iran and by her Uncle as such when he was arrested for expressing his ideas she saw what was truly the Islamic Republic of Iran doing to their people

3. Marjane was greatly impacted by the death of her uncle which plays a big role in her book Persepolis.

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The reasons behind the war, key battles, and impact on the Iranian population:

Main reason was the territorial disputes over the Shatt al-Arab waterway (Key source of Oil Export = Money and Power)

President Iraq Saddam Hussein wanted to take advantage of the chaos after the Islamic Revolution and strike.

Political divide between dominant religion of Sunni and Shia. (Shia majority Iran)

The Battle of Al-Faw (1986) Iranian forces captured the strategically important Al-Faw Peninsula. This represents the prolonged nature of the war.

Complete destruction of the economy and infrastructure for both Iraq and Iran.

Hundreds of thousands of Iranian casualties, most traumatised, and created a lot of displaced people seeking asylum.

The role of foreign powers in the conflict:

Arms dealers heavily profited from the war. (chemical weapons)

The U.S. supported Iraq fearing Iranian beliefs. This included intelligence sharing and providing arms supplies. (Lost their control over Iran)

The Soviet Union supported Iraq, but as the war progressed it reduced its contrebutions, aiming to maintain relations with Iran.

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Historical Importance

Used to be the capital of the Archaemenid Empire.

Is situated in the plains of Marvdasht encircled by mountains

Is the location where the party for the 2500th anniversary of the founding of the Persian empire was hosted.

Cultural Implications

The name "Persepolis" itself combines the Greek word "Perses," meaning Persian, and "polis," meaning city, highlighting its Persian origin

Is a testament to the rich history, advanced civilization, and cultural achievements of ancient Persia

Is regarded with pride and reverence as a symbol of Iran's historical legacy and cultural heritage