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.