Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood Essay Example

emotional suffering for citizens, victims, and bystanders alike. The consequences of rebellion, oppression, and revolution can also have similar outcomes for minority groups like the Islamic race. Furthermore, Marjane discusses inequality by sharing her vision for a future where everyone is equal.

In her childhood, the protagonist aspires to be an optimistic prophet who can predict a better future for her society and lists three of her ideals: 1) Cadillacs should be accessible to everyone, not just her father; 2) maids should dine with masters; and 3) old people should not suffer. These ideals reflect the inequalities and captivity inflicted on Islamic culture. She questions the oblige of wearing a black veil and wonders why they cannot have the freedom to do what they desire. Marjane's artistic style subtly presents each scenario as an ideal and realization from a child's perspective. Satrapi's writing style objectively portrays the diversity in religion, culture, and beliefs of Muslim and non-Muslims.

Marjane Satrapi chose black and white for all the drawings in her book to emphasize the prevalent division of people. The discrimination between Muslims and their Islamic religion is clearly demonstrated through the creation of two categories: Muslims (white) and non-Muslims (black). The contrasting colors represent the yin and yang figure, symbolizing the good and bad, night and day, clean and dirty. This choice of styling adds to the visual effect of generalizing that there are two opposing elements in the entire story. Furthermore, Marjane's drawing style was intentionally childlike to create a humorous and comical effect that avoids presenting the oppression and cruelty of the subject matter in a straightforward manner.

Through her illustrations, Marjane was successful

in conveying her intended message and provided all readers with historical information to help them understand the present situation of Muslims. She makes it clear that Muslims did not want oppression, categorization, discrimination, or segregation; they wanted to live free and have rights to express their religion, leisure activities, and other fundamental freedoms.

According to Satrapi (2003), Marjane intentionally incorporates symbolic patterns in her drawings to enhance their power, meaning, and clarity. These patterns aim to stimulate the audience's creative and expressive minds while promoting awareness and understanding of the current situation of Muslims in Iran and around the world. The book is significant because it depicts a child's perspective on living in an oppressive society while maintaining an attitude of optimism and perseverance for her race. Satrapi emphasizes learning from history to avoid repeating past mistakes instead of blaming oppressors, encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their actions.

Marjane Satrapi's Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood offers a child's perspective on living with oppression and discrimination in society. Satrapi objectively portrays the inequalities and repressions faced by Muslims, emphasizing the importance of awareness regarding the consequences of actions. She suggests that while there is no right or wrong, Muslim repression ultimately harms both oppressor and oppressed, leading to separation, outrage, depression, frustration, and even war.