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.