Discovering Grey
I've really enjoyed Persepolis so far. It's really different from what I've read in the past. Prior to this, I've always thought graphic novels wouldn't be able to tell a complex story. Reading Persepolis has completely erased that notion. I would argue that it actually adds depth to a narrative and enables a lot more creative expression. In Persepolis, there are many stories going on (Marji's growth as a character through religion and books, the overall historical events happening that relate to the story, the local issues going on, etc.) but through the graphics, Satrapi really effectively ties these threads together.
One of the things I've found most interesting in the story and in discussion is Marji as a character. In the first part of the story she is rather young, but her reflection and goals do not mirror that of normal children her age. She has an insatiable curiosity; she's always asking questions and trying to understand what is going on in the world around her. I was rather impressed by her maturity and mindset, but also wondered how she could be so admirable. As the story progressed, I realized that Satrapi did indicate her youth and more realistic traits. Though she was always learning, the things she discovered were very set in stone; things were either this way or that way, there wasn't an in-between. For example, when Marji was presented by the idea that protestors who were jailed for their efforts were heroes; she stuck by the idea though it was much more complex. For example when she learned what happened to Lay's father; initially, Marji was insensitive to the topic of Laly's father being a protestor. Prior to this, she has always looked to learn more and expand her horizons. While this is true, these pages bring into light that she is really young and she can’t fully grasp these social nuances and more complex political ideas. As the story progresses, I wonder if she will continue to see the world in black and white, due to the fact her family is a bit all over the place in terms of what they stand for.
In a different direction, the type of fighting going on in the story seems to be portrayed in a lighter sense than normal due to Marji’s ideas about the world and how she wanted someone to be a hero, rather than understanding what these individuals were fighting for. It’s not until her uncle is imprisoned that she realizes the gravity of the situation. I wonder if this will help her understand that the world isn’t black and white and actually has many shades of grey and whether the illustrations and dialogue will change because of this.
One of the things I've found most interesting in the story and in discussion is Marji as a character. In the first part of the story she is rather young, but her reflection and goals do not mirror that of normal children her age. She has an insatiable curiosity; she's always asking questions and trying to understand what is going on in the world around her. I was rather impressed by her maturity and mindset, but also wondered how she could be so admirable. As the story progressed, I realized that Satrapi did indicate her youth and more realistic traits. Though she was always learning, the things she discovered were very set in stone; things were either this way or that way, there wasn't an in-between. For example, when Marji was presented by the idea that protestors who were jailed for their efforts were heroes; she stuck by the idea though it was much more complex. For example when she learned what happened to Lay's father; initially, Marji was insensitive to the topic of Laly's father being a protestor. Prior to this, she has always looked to learn more and expand her horizons. While this is true, these pages bring into light that she is really young and she can’t fully grasp these social nuances and more complex political ideas. As the story progresses, I wonder if she will continue to see the world in black and white, due to the fact her family is a bit all over the place in terms of what they stand for.
In a different direction, the type of fighting going on in the story seems to be portrayed in a lighter sense than normal due to Marji’s ideas about the world and how she wanted someone to be a hero, rather than understanding what these individuals were fighting for. It’s not until her uncle is imprisoned that she realizes the gravity of the situation. I wonder if this will help her understand that the world isn’t black and white and actually has many shades of grey and whether the illustrations and dialogue will change because of this.
I definitely think the narrative will change as a result of Anoosh's execution. Whereas Marji had seen imprisonment and torture in a romanticized, idealized, heroic sort of light, I think we'll see a more active and confrontational stance from her in chapters to come. Losing a loved one will certainly change your views on things, and this is especially true for a very young Marji.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I like how you make the connection of her not understanding the gravity of the situation until it effects her family. She can support anything and speak about it, but doesn't really understand it until she has felt it herself. This makes Anoosh an important character, even with just a few pages of "Screen time." Cool post
ReplyDeleteAfter Anoosh is executed, we see Marji floating in a state of limbo or a void. I thought that was a good depiction of "understanding of the gravity of the situation". She's seen arms outstretched in a pit of black, suggesting that something that's kept her grounded is gone. It's almost as if her world has been turned upside down.
ReplyDeleteGood post, and yah, some of the recent events across the nation have really helped make this particular scene in the book stand out. I've never been a huge part of any protests or marches before, but after seeing people I know actually participate in these Trump protests, it really does make everything a bit more personal. Hopefully everything will work itself out, and no one gets hurt, arrested, or God forbid, executed, in the process.
ReplyDeleteYeah, now that we have finished the book, we do slowly see that shift in narration as Marji matures and is realizing the reality of the situations going on around her. Anoosh's execution really brings things into perspective for her-- these things could happen to anyone and it's not just about fighting and being a hero. I think this is one of the larger growing points for her, launching her as a new(er) person/mindset into the rest of the book.
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