Historical Context - MARJANE SATRAPI: :PERSEPOLIS

The story line of Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis takes place during the late 1970’s in the Iranian capital city of Tehran. During this time period, the country of Iran was undergoing major political changes that would forever change the social and political landscapes of the nation. During this period of time, a social and political movement known to historians as the Iranian revolution had been increasing popularity as the governing monarchy of the Shah had lost support from citizens. This was the public reaction after many years of the Shah’s dealing with western nations and making weak political and economic decisions. Also, this was an era of idiotic war between the countries of Iran and Iraq. One of the most interesting aspects of the historical references made in the novel is the perspective in which Persepolis is told. The perspective is through the eyes of a young Marianne, growing up during the revolution, born into a world that she does not quite understand, yet contains a strong urge to find meaning in her life. The historical perspective receives various opinions due to the graphic novel’s “eyes of a child” narration, because in some cases it can cause sympathy and in others, doubt. Although a child as a source of information can be unreliable, the event was still experienced and should not be overlooked.

The Islamic Revolution is referred to as the most significant event to have ever taken place in the Iranian history. The revolution was sparked by a group of Islamic fundamentalists that were disgusted by the modernized culture that the previous ruler had adopted. The people’s support for western ways of life had grown largely during the time of the Shah. . This capitalistic lifestyle was seen as sacrilegious in the name of Islam and needed to be overthrown by a new government that would reinforce the word and doctrine of Allah. This led to the removal of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi from his monarchial power and ushered in an Islamic regime which continues still to this day. This new government had received support from the majority of the population living in the country. This Islamic regime was lead by a Shia cleric named Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Khomeini attained political fame due to his radical positions against the governing Shah’s rule. He believed western countries, such as the United States, had seized the power of the country and simply used the Shah as a puppet as a way of controlling western interests.

The Iranian revolution was violent due to the aggressive nature of Khomeini’s ruling, which was to follow the rules of Allah as stated in the Quran. This new theocracy had many followers, who were mostly Shia Muslims. Although there was much acceptance, there were a large number of people that opposed the stringent regulations put into order by Khomeini and began to revolt against the new governing system. Satrapi’s parents began protesting against the new government and witnessed harsh treatment and full-scale riots taking place in the streets. The revolution failed to take control out of the harsh rule fist of Khomeini.

After the revolution occurred and Khomeini’s government had just been put into place, the Iran Iraq War began. In September 1980, the Sunni Muslim-dominated regime of Saddam Hussein in neighboring Iraq, invaded Iran in an attempt to take advantage of revolutionary chaos and destroy the revolution in its infancy. Iran and Iranians rallied behind their new government, helping to stop and then reversing the Iraqi advance. By early 1982, Iran regained almost all of the territory captured during the invasion. Satrapi described public appeal of the war as starting off high citizen approval and support. Towards the end of the war, it seemed pointless in the eyes of those in opposition to the Iranian government. In Persepolis, Satrapi describes the excessive power exercised by government officers during the war, in order to keep the citizens oppressed.

The title Persepolis was used in reference to the Persian empires ancient capital city. Persepolis, which is now Iran’s Takht-i Jamshīd. This ancient city was the center of the Persian Empire until Alexander the Great conquered the area, burning and demolishing Persepolis to ruins. I believe Marjane Satrapi decided to use this title because it reminds Iranians of a time when mass destruction occurred in the capital city. During the Islamic Revolution, the destruction of Tehran, Iran’s capital city, led to a rise in civilian deaths, stranding citizens without any true knowledge of why these lives were being cut short.

The historical context is unlike any other book I have ever read. Its content provides a fresh look into a history of a country that remains in a mysterious light for Westerners. The Iranian Revolution was one of the most significant events in Iranian history. Persepolis portrayed this revolutionary event in an entertaining and clarifying manner. Marjane Satrapi wrote an incredible book that will continue to educate and entertain the Western countries for year to come.

Resources To Gain A Further Understanding:

Marjane & The Colbert Report This short but sweet and sassy interview allows a more modern and humerious look into the historical background of Persepolis.

Women’s Rights Under Iran’s Revolution

Historical Timeine traced in Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood A timeline that traces the historical events in the first book of Persepolis. Provided by Michele Polak of Hobart and William Smith Colleges.

Works Cited “Iranian Revolution.” Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 02 June 2011. .

“Iranian Revolution of 1978-79 — Britannica Online Encyclopedia.” Encyclopedia – Britannica Online Encyclopedia. Web. 04 June 2011. .

“Ruhollah Khomeini — History.com Articles, Video, Pictures and Facts.” History.com — History Made Every Day — American & World History. Web. 04 June 2011. .

“Persepolis (ancient City, Iran) — Britannica Online Encyclopedia.” Encyclopedia – Britannica Online Encyclopedia. Web. 05 June 2011. .

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