Marjane Satrapi by Luh Lapinkka Aquilani Ribang

Background Information

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Marjane Satrapi is an Iranian-French author and illustrator best known for her graphic novel memoir, Persepolis. She was born in Tehran, Iran, in 1969. She experienced the Iranian Revolution and the subsequent Iran-Iraq War as a young girl. Her memoir tells us about a personal and poignant account of these tumultuous times, exploring themes of identity. religion, politics, and family.

She grew up in a middle-class family in Tehran during a time of political and social upheaval. She has witnessed the rise of the Islamic Republic, the revolution, and the war firsthand.

Despite the challenges of the time, she was able to attend school and pursue her education. She eventually left Iran to study in Vienna and moved to Paris.

Experience of Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988)

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Marjane Satrapi lived in the midst of the Iran-Iraq War starting when she was 10 years old until she was sent away in 1984 at the age of 14 by her parents to live and study in Vienna, Austria. As a child during the war, the threats of bombings, the fear of her own life and the change of Iranian society, affected her personally which helped shape her view on the world and culture.

A quote from an interview on Satrapi's movie, "Chicken With Plums":

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"I'm someone who lived in a war for five years. I received bombs on my head every day of my childhood. Did that stop me from living? Did that stop me from laughing?" - Marjane Satrapi

Key Biographical Information Contributing to Persepolis

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Witnessing the Revolution
Satrapi's childhood was during the Iranian Revolution, a period where immense social and political upheaval. This firsthand experience provides gives a unique perspective on the events and their impact on the lives of ordinary Iranians.

Cultural Identity
Satrapi's departure from Iran to study abroad led to a confrontation with her cultural identity. Her experiences as a student in Vienna and Paris are central to the exploration of belonging in Persepolis.

Her choice to tell her story through a graphic novel format is significant. The visual storytelling allows her to convey complex emotions and ideas in a powerful and accessible way.

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Literary Forms

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Global Impact:

"Persepolis" made Iranian experiences of war and cultural changes somewhat relatable on a global scale, which increases understanding amongst different cultural groups and western society.
Impact: Proved stories that were diverse could reach universal audiences

Historical Narratives:

Satrapi's book challenges certain stereotypes of Iran offering a personal point of view of Iranian life. As well as highlighting woman's experiences during the Iranian revolution and Iran-Iraq War.
Impact: Inspired others of the same background to tell their own stories through graphic novels.

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Family's Political Background:

Satrapi's family was politically active and progressive. Her parents supported leftist ideologies and opposed the new Islamic regime. Her family’s open criticism of both the Shah’s regime and the Islamic government provides her with a broader political awareness from a young age, which is reflected in the memoir.