Uniqueness and The Universal Truth

In Persepolis, the author captures the unique reality of growing up in the middle of a revolution and war while also revealing a universal truth: Change and uncertainty = certain, guaranteed elements of life.

First, the author represents the unique experiences of Marji by telling the story of Marji growing up in the middle of the Iranian Revolution and in the middle of the Iran-Iraq war. his is seen when Marji’s parents are going to a demonstration(protest) and she insists on going as well.

The author writes, “I’m going too!” This reveals Marji’s unique experiences growing up in Iran because it showed that there were demonstrations or protest happening against the government and that’s normal for most places.

It suggests the people of Iran were sick of their government. The author’s use of exclamation points has the effect of importance. This shows us that Marji growing up in Iran is unique in that she and other people in Iran are sick of their government and want something down about the unfair treatment of the citizens in Iran.

Another moment that offers to teach readers about the unique experiences of growing in Iran during a revolution occurs when Marji is seen by a Guardian of the Revolution wearing leggings and has her hair out. The guardian sternly says, “Lower your scarf you little whore”(133). In this line, the author uses the word “whore” to show how this revolution changed people. When the Guardian of the revolution states “Lower your scarf you little whore”(133), it shows how the way women dress in Iran is very unique. For an American reader, this provides the opportunity to learn that the way women dress in Iran is not by choice it is because it is basically against the law to dress any other way.

In Persepolis, the author captures the unique reality of growing up in the middle of a revolution and war but also the author reveals a universal truth: Change and uncertainty = certain, guaranteed elements of life. This is seen when Marji wants to know more about the revolution and why it is happening, she even states, “I realized then that I didn’t understand anything. I read all the books I could (32).”

This reveals the universal truth: Change and uncertainty = certain, guaranteed elements of life by showing how changes in the way of life in Iran caused by the revolution and the war caused Marji to want to be more informed about what was going on in her country.

During the story, Marji had guests staying with her family and she wasn’t always happy about it. She was also very much frustrated by the lack of groceries at the grocery store Marji even stated, “Mali’s mother was bitter and hard to deal with (and deaf)(92).” throughout her experiences growing up in Iran.

This reveals the universal truth: Change and uncertainty = certain, guaranteed elements of life by showing how changes in the way of life in Iran caused by the revolution and the war caused Marji to speak her mind more and to never hide her feelings even if they aren’t appropriate. This evidence shows the uncertainty because the context behind the statement Marji made was prompted by the lack of groceries and the hectic environment in Iran at the time. Marji was uncertain about what would happen to Iran and how would she be affected.

Overall, the novel both allows us to learn about the differences in Iran and relate to growing up during unique experiences. This is powerful and meaningful because it has so many universal truths that connect with people all around the world. The book remains relevant to people all around our current world because all around the world changes and uncertainty causes people to gain different elements in life.