What Role Does Storytelling Play in Persepolis?

Essay Prompts

What role does storytelling play in Persepolis?

In what ways does Satrapi explore the impacts of conformity and structure in Persepolis.

Explore how Satrapi communicates her ideas about the human experience in Persepolis.

What is either gained or lost with Persepolis being narrated from the perspective of a child as opposed to an adult?

Why does Satrapi deliver the narrative through the voice of a young Marji?

In what ways is Marji impacted by her relationship with Uncle Anoosh?

‘The images convey not just the appearances of people and places, but the underlying emotional and psychological realities’. Discuss.

‘Marji has a unique relationship with her parents and grandmother’. Explore how they influence her within the changing Iranian society.

‘Iran’s changing identity is the backdrop to Satrapi’s own complicated transformation from child to adult.’ Discuss.

‘Education is both a means for liberation and a tool of control’. To what extent is this true in Persepolis?

‘Satrapi’s journey is to discover her identity both as an individual and as an Iranian.’ Discuss.

‘Satrapi’s memoir is partly a critique of Iran’s oppressive regime, but also a celebration of the people who live under it.’ Discuss.

Before Marji leaves Iran, Marji’s grandmother advises her to “be true to yourself”. Why is this so difficult for Marji in her journey from childhood to adolescence?

‘It is Satrapi’s illustrations that so powerfully convey the central ideas in Persepolis.’ Discuss.

‘Persepolis shows that the relentless pursuit of power will always have tragic consequences.’ Do you agree?

‘The comic-book style of Satrapi’s memoir detracts from the seriousness of the issues she explores.’ To what extent do you agree?

‘In Persepolis, Satrapi shows us that to be a woman or to be poor in this society is to be powerless’. Discuss.

“Bad people are dangerous but forgiving them is too. Don’t worry, there is justice on earth”. How is the idea of justice explored in Persepolis?

‘Persepolis tells a horrific story, but it is punctuated by beautiful moments that highlight the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love’. Discuss.

‘While Satrapi’s illustrations are simple and childlike, they serve to emphasise the often grim and complex nature of her journey to educate herself.’ Discuss.

Practice Essays

‘Persepolis relies on Satrapi’s use of symbols and language to communicate her message effectively.’ Discuss.