Download Persepolis Background

Persepolis Background
By: Marjane Satrapi
www.randomhouse.com/pantheon/graphicnovels/
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persepolis
Title
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The title PERSEPOLIS comes from the
Persian capital founded in the 6th
century BC by Darius I, later destroyed
by Alexander the Great. It’s a reminder
that there’s an old and grand
civilization, besieged by waves of
invaders but carrying on through
millennia, that is much deeper and
more complex than the current-day
view of Iran.
Persepolis Today
Iranian Revolution
The Iranian Revolution
(mostly known as the
Islamic Revolution)
refers to events involving
the overthrow of Iran's
monarchy under Shah
Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.
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Revolution Continued
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The first major demonstrations against
the Shah began in January 1978.
The Shah left Iran
for exile in midJanuary 1979.
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Revolution Continued
The monarchy was
replaced by an Islamic
republic under Ayatollah
Ruhollah Khomeini.
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Much of Persepolis reflects
on the injustice within the
country following the exile
of the Shah.
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Iranians’ Views of the
Revolution
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For some, it was an era of heroism and
sacrifice that brought forth nothing less than
the nucleus of a world Islamic state — "a
perfect model of splendid, humane, and
divine life… for all the peoples of the world.“
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Other disillusioned Iranians explain the
revolution as a time when "for a few years
we all lost our minds“ and which "promised
us heaven, but... created a hell on earth.”
Iran – Iraq War
1980-1988
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Iraq invaded Iran for a few reasons:
– Fears about the effects of the Iranian
Revolution on Iraq
– Iraq wanted to become the dominant
Persian Gulf state
– Figured they’d take advantage of the
chaos from the Revolution
Novel Background

Persepolis details Satrapi's life during
the war between Iran and Iraq.
Background Continued

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It is impressive that the
novel was created at all,
because of the importance
of one’s reputation in Iran
and the risks that Satrapi
took for she and her family.
To share a personal background and the
history of one’s immediate family is ground
breaking.
Background Continued
Marjane's child's-eye-view
of dethroned emperors,
state-sanctioned whippings,
and heroes of the revolution
allows us to learn as she
does the history of this
fascinating country and of
her own extraordinary family.
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Background Continued
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Satrapi tells the story of her life in
Tehran from ages six to fourteen,
years that saw the overthrow of the
Shah's regime, the triumph of the
Islamic Revolution, and the
devastating effects of war with Iraq.
Marjane bears witness to a childhood
uniquely entwined with the history of
her country.
Reception

Drawn in black and white, the graphic
novel found great popularity following
its release.
Cultural Info
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Islam is a religion
Muslim is a person practicing Islam
– Nearly 1 in 5 people in the world today
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Not all Islamic countries are Arabic
Not all Arabic countries are Islamic
Not all Muslims wear a veil (hijab)
Nowhere in Muslim law is violence permitted
or advocated as a religious act