Imperialism In Persepolis

As Marjane Satrapi writes about her first-hand account of Iran, she finds herself giving an accurate representation of Iran and all it holds within its borders. Growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution affected Marjane in numerous ways. In the book, Persepolis, Marjane writes about her life in Tehran from ages six to fourteen. She tells of the years she witnessed the overthrow of the Shah, the satisfaction of the Islamic Revolution, and the ruinous effects of Iran’s war with Iraq. Both of her parents valued her education and were committed Marxists. Engrossed in a bloodline of wealth and royalty, Marjane experienced a childhood filled to the brim with history. Through its robust black-and-white pictures, Satrapi’s Persepolis portrays an accurate representation of Iran because of its inclusion of the themes a revolution, imperialism, nationalism, religion, and social classes. Written as a graphic novel the book illustrates the baffling differences between public and home life as well as daily life in Iran. Her innocent view of God, revolutions, wars, and heroes allows readers to grasp an understanding of what Iran is like for a young, only child. Through Marjane’s perspective, people read a story of a young Islamic girl who experienced political repression and war.
Marjane represents nationalism in this picture when she says, “My blood was boiling. I was ready to defend my country against these Arabs who kept attacking us...I wanted to fight” (Satrapi 79). She’s angry at Arabs who consistently attack Iran, her country. Marjane is deranged enough to fight. As she gets older her emotions become stronger and stronger. She wants to fight for her country because she believes Iran is doing everything right. As the story goes on, Marjane’s sense of pride in her country makes her increasingly nationalistic. Again, nationalism is another theme expressed in the book that cannot be put