Global Issues in Persepolis by David Gonzales

Global Issue - Culture, Identity, Community

pabsi00017 — 2025-02-07 13:54:37 UTC

In this chapter, Marji struggles with the idea of making the veil mandatory for all girls. Apart from being unhappy with the change, she is also confused as she doesn't fully understand the spiritual meaning of wearing such a fabric. Additionally, the demonstration presented in this chapter shows the sense of community during this time in Iran, as people united for and against the Islamic Monarchy. Lastly, she shows her unique identity by talking about her personal goal of becoming a prophet, as well as the conversation she claims to have with God about her future, which demonstrates her stong spiritual beliefs despite being against a spiritual symbol like the veil.

Literary Technique - Visual contrast

pabsi00017 — 2025-02-07 13:59:46 UTC

The graphic novel is in black and white, which makes it perfect to demonstrate visual contrast between the people for and against the veil

Literary Technique - Juxtaposition

pabsi00017 — 2025-02-07 14:01:21 UTC

Juxtaposition is shown when she gives the reader a look at her happy life before the veil and an unhappy situation after the change. The author does this in quick succession to show the quick impact it had on people's life during this time in Iran.

Global Issue - Politics, Power, Justice

pabsi00017 — 2025-02-07 22:26:19 UTC

During this chapter, the author explores how the manipulation of political power can have consequences. Marji learns that her grandfather was once a prince and imprisoned. He tells Marji many stories that let her understand the corruption behind the people in power at the time. This chapter highlights how oppression affects individual families and their struggle for justice in an authoritarian society.

Literary Device - Flashbacks

pabsi00017 — 2025-02-07 22:32:19 UTC

This chapter sees heavy use of flashbacks to show different stories. It gives the reader a clear indication of the situation her grandfather faced back in his time.

Literary Device - Symbolism

pabsi00017 — 2025-02-07 22:34:38 UTC

The water cell itself is a symbol of the pain prisoners of war went through. Additionally, Marji's attempt to empathize with his grampa by submerging herself is also part of the symbolism of the struggle for identity in those times.

Global Issue - Beliefs, Values, Education

pabsi00017 — 2025-02-08 14:42:45 UTC

This chapter expresses how beliefs and values are seen through family narratives and historical events. Marji's education is also questioned as learning about her grandma's struggle during Reza Shah challenges Marji’s previous understanding of leadership and justice. Furthermore, the manipulation of beliefs is highlighted when people use the person who died of cancer as a symbol of hope. With all these confusing perspectives, we see Marji turn to books, highlighting the different pathways for education within a person's life.

Literary technique - Contrast of emotions

pabsi00017 — 2025-02-08 14:47:53 UTC

We see how Marji goes from feeling happy hearing anecdotes with her family to being disturbed by the stories. The author uses clear contrast to show her internal conflict regarding this history and how she feels about it.