Persepolis Essay

Monica Garcia

Professor Nard

English 113B

17 February 2013

Changes of Lifestyle

            It is hard to understand and obey any law forcing individuals to change their way of living. In the book Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi there were many changes in the way of living during the Revolution. Persepolis was written based on Satrapi’s childhood memories through her eyes as a child. Satrapi explains the difficulties she had changing her usual ways and getting in trouble for expressing herself with the things she liked. It was not just Satrapi who faced changes but other families as well and even the society as a whole. Although there were many changes in the lifestyles of many, there was a great impact on the military, women, education and in many adolescences.

            To begin, the military began recruiting teenage boys at age fourteen living in poverty which created a change in the military. This was a change within the military because at fourteen one is still considered immature and has not mentally or physically developed to the fullest. To join the military one should be mature and fully grown. Many of these fourteen year old boys were tricked into joining the military. They were given a key painted gold representing value. They were told if they were fortunate enough to die, the golden key would open the door into heaven. They were promised a better life than the one they were living in the lower class. As Mrs. Nasrine, Satrapi’s maid, explains, “‘They told him that in paradise there will be plenty of food, women and houses made of gold and diamonds’” (100). The lifestyles of these teenage boys were changed completely. At such a young age their teenage years of finding love and friendship was taken away by a key painted gold. Not only were there changes in the military, women had their rights and freedom taken away.

            Furthermore, women faced many changes during the war. At the start of the Revolution, women were forced to wear veils over their heads. It was a change no one was used to. Young girls were confused about the veils and did not take it seriously. Satrapi explains in Persepolis, “We didn’t like to wear the veil, especially since we didn’t understand why we had to” (3). They were forced to do something they did not want to do. While some women appreciated the veil, others did not. With the start of the veils women lost their freedom and rights. There were also many situations when women were yelled at and disrespected by men when seen without the veil. They were though of showing too much and going against the laws. Satrapi also explains how she was not able to express her style in public without getting into trouble.

In Satrapi’s teenage years, punk rock became the style in the United States but it was forbidden in Iran. Although it was forbidden, Satrapi listened to the music and enjoyed expressing it by the way she dressed. In the chapter “Kim Wilde” Satrapi explains how strict the dress code was within her country. After the return of her parents from their trip to Turkey, they brought back a pair of Nikes and a denim jacket for Satrapi. As she walked through the streets with her new clothes she was stopped by two guardian ladies. Satrapi states, “Their job was to put us back on the straight narrow by explaining the duties of Muslim women” (133). They judged her by the way she was dressed and wanted to report her to the committee, “The committee was the HQ of the guardians of the revolution” (Satrapi 133). This became unfair to many individuals. Many were unable to express themselves without getting into trouble. They were forced to change their lifestyles to not have to worry about living a life in prison. Education also changed during the revolution.

Satrapi explains in her book how students were separated in school based on their gender. While the boys were in one classroom the girls were in another. Many were unable to see their friends due to the new rules in education. In school, girls were forced to wear their veils, remove any jewelry, and had to beat their chests twice a day in honor of the martyrs. Students were also taught false information about the shah and the prisoners. They wanted to keep the truth away from the students. Satrapi explains in the book how she often stood up and corrected her teacher. Many times she got expelled for doing so. Satrapi had the knowledge to speak the truth about the revolution. Having to move to a different country was one of the greatest changes in an Iranian lifestyle.

Furthermore, many teenage boys and girls were sent by their parents to different countries for the sake of their safety. In Persepolis, Satrapi discusses different situations in which many young teenage kids were sent off to a different country including herself. This led to their change of lifestyle. In the chapter “The sheep” Satrapi states that her childhood friend left Iran to move to the United States. It was hard on her due to the fact that she liked him. In the chapter “The Passport” Satrapi discusses the worries and sadness parents experienced when their children went off to another country. If it was not for the revolution, the struggles and changes made would have not occurred.

Lastly, Persepolis comes to an end with Satrapi moving to France. Satrapi’s parents decide she would have a better future and a safe environment in France. This was a change Satrapi was not expecting. She left her family and friends behind knowing she would not be seeing them as often as before. Satrapi states, “What I had feared was true. Maybe they’d come to visit, but we’d never live together again” (152). As Satrapi waited in the airport she witnessed her mother faint from sadness as Satrapi was getting ready for her flight. The revolution changed the lives of many.

            In conclusion, there were many changes during the time of the revolution. Young boys were getting recruited into the military while women were losing their rights and freedom. Education became stricter and students were being taught false information. There were many changes in life which became very unfair to some individuals. Also, due to the revolution many young teenage boys and girls were sent off to different countries for a better future. Persepolis is a reminder of staying strong and standing up for one’s own beliefs. 

Persepolis Outlines

Changes in Lifestyle

Introduction – In the story Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi there were many changes in the way of living during the Revolution. Satrapi explains the difficulty she had changing her usual ways and not being able to express what she liked. It was not just Satrapi who faced changes but other families as well and even the society as a whole.

Thesis – Although there were many changes in the lifestyles of many, the military, women, and education were greatly affected.

P1 – The military began recruiting teenage boys. These boys were tricked into joining the military. Their lifestyles were changed completely. At such a young age their teenage years of finding love and friendship were taken away.

P2 – During this time girls were forced to wear a veil over their heads. It was a change no one was used to. While some women appreciated the veil other women did not. It took away women’s rights and their freedom.

P3 – Satrapi also explains the way students were separated in school. The students were separated by gender. The girls were forced to wear their veil in school and were forced to beat their chests twice a day. Students were also taught false information about the shah and the prisoners.

 

Social Class

Introduction – During this time, differences were made based on social class. In the story Persepolis, Satrapi suggests that this was wrong and everyone should have equal rights. By the situations and stories within Persepolis Satrapi explains how unfair many lived due to their social class.

Thesis - Although many were judged, the book explains it was wrong with the situations of the maid, the teenage boys with the golden keys and the way Satrapi felt belonging to the higher class.

 

P1 – Satrapi’s maid Mehri was forced to work at age eight. She left her family to join Satrapi and her parents. She fell in love with the next door neighbor. He asked her to marry her thinking she was Satrapi's sister. Once he found out she was the maid he rejected her.

P2 – Teenage boys living in poverty were being recruited into the military. They were given a key painted gold. They were told if they were lucky enough to die, the key would open the door into heaven. They were promised a better life than the one they were living.

P3 – In the story, Satrapi states how ashamed she felt driving in a Cadillac and having a maid. She also became very confused with her father, who was a communist, about the differences he made within social class.

 

Stories

Introduction – The stories within Persepolis gives more details about the revolution. It shows how many individuals suffered and the negativity the revolution brought upon them. The stories also made Satrapi a stronger woman. The stories were about her family and the situations they faced.

Thesis – Although the book states Satrapi’s childhood, the stories give more information on her family’s history.

 P1 – Uncle Anoosh’s story states how hard the living conditions were during that time. He tells her to not forget where her family comes from.

P2 – Satrapi’s Grandfathers story also gives more information on her family history. She was told to remember who she was and where she comes from.

P3 – Niloufar’s story explains how many families were separated due to the war. Many children were sent to different countries by their parents to keep them safe. This story explains the importance of family.

Assignment #1

1. The book Persepolis suggests that stories shape and give meaning to Satrapi’s experience by giving more details of what was really going on. Stories give us more information as well as the truth of different things going on in life and behind closed doors. Her uncle Anoosh’s story and her grandfather’s story tell us how prisoners were tortured and how much people suffered during the war. Niloufar’s story also shows the struggles faced when families became separated during the war.

2. As a child Satrapi’s dream was to become a prophet. After the troubles and the terrors she faced growing up, during the war, she lost her faith towards god. I do, although, agree with the statement. Without intention she has become a voice that speaks to the rest of us. Prophets tell the truth and say how one should live. In the book Persepolis she has brought messages to all of us. Those messages are to love each other, fight for each other, and respect each other. She also reminds us of what is important in life.

3. The book suggests that separating people based on their social class was wrong. In the story “The Letter” Satrapi learns how people were judged based on where their social class stood. Satrapi’s maid was forbidden to marry the next door neighbor due to the fact that she belonged to the lower class. Satrapi believes that everyone should be equal with the same rights. In the story “The Key” young teenage boys from poor areas were brainwashed to be sent to war. Many boys were given a key and made them believe that it would open the door into heaven.