Marjane Satrapi's Persepolis

In the graphic autobiography Persepolis, by Marjane Satrapi, the protagonist, Marjane Satrapi, begins as a confused and strong-willed child and develops into an empathetic and expressive young woman. At the start of the novel, ten year old Marjane, or Marji, lives with her well-off parents in Tehran, Iran at the height of the Iranian Revolution. Marji’s parents raise her in a very modern household with progressive values. On the other hand, Islamic Fundamentalists segregate the schools , instill conservative values in the classroom, and harshly punish infractions of strict rules. As a result, the contradiction of these ideas confuse Marji as she tries to make sense of the constantly changing world around her. Marji explains this conflict, saying
Marji understands both sides of the spectrum; On one end there are the religious fanatics who want to live by the medieval laws of Islam. On the other end, there are the progressives who want allow the citizens of Iran the freedoms found in the West. The conflicts of these ideas force Marji to evaluate her values and choose a side to be on. Incidentally, Marji also shows her religious roots and empathy when she wants to become a prophet. The call of prophecy comes to her because of the social injustices she faces everyday. The social classes of Iran prevent her maid from eating with her or dating the man she likes. Additionally, Marji wants to rid the elderly of pain because of its effects on her grandmother. Instead of the lust for power that drives some modern prophets, Marji’s empathy drives her to seek prophethood to relieve the issues she sees in her daily life. However, her ideals change as the zealot Islamic Revolution sweeps Iran. The new regime imprisons many outspoken dissidents which includes her Uncle Anoosh. They share many ideals including Communism and a government ruled by the proletariat which brings them very close. A few weeks later, the police arrest and execute Anoosh in the name of