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The Complete Persepolis Essay

Decent Essays

Elizabeth Oelkers
Dr. Martin
English 9 Honors
9 September, 2016
Togetherness through Distress:
Family versus Nation in The Complete Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

“I tell you this because it’s important that you know. Our family memory must not be lost. Even if it’s not easy for you, even if you don’t understand it at all” (Persepolis 60). In her autobiography, The Complete Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi speaks from first-hand experience as she illustrates her life as a young Irani Muslim affected by the war between Iran and Iraq during the last decades of the twentieth century. As emotionally described and depicted in her graphic novel, Marjane and her family combat a myriad of obstacles imposed by the government, but throughout these harrowing times in …show more content…

In an early story from the novel, Marjane’s Uncle Anoosh shares with her that his uncle became a hero after helping Azerbaijan declare independence, but his family rebuked his achievements, so he ran away. Anoosh fled from his home upon hearing the upsetting news. Months later, when government officials found Anoosh, they punished him. He recalls, “They put me in prison for nine years... They [Marjane’s parents] said that you were tortured” (Persepolis 60). In spite of the familial separation and personal strife, the family bonds and Anoosh heals. They do not allow the government’s harsh regime to mitigate their family’s fortitude. Likewise, the Iranian government’s decisions alienate Marjane’s Uncle Taher from his son. Taher contemplates, “When I think about it, I’m glad my son is safely abroad. But with the borders closed, how am I ever going to see him again?” (Persepolis 118). Taher and his family try to cross the border, but he does not complete his journey before dying. The Satrapi family determines to stand firm against the government, in turn remaining closely connected and physically

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