Persepolis is a “graphic novel” or as Hillary Chute likes to refer it, a “graphic narrative” about a young girl named Marjane Satrapis. It goes through different trials and tribulations of her childhood and growing up in Iraq. The story going into detail of the lifestyle and different questions this young girl is going through and asking. One of the main details of the story is about the Islamic revolution but from a child’s perspective in that is was very simple but still addressed some of the issues.
Being that I do not really know much about what is going on in the Middle East, I found it hard to fully understand the entire graphic novel. But I did enjoy that is was this comic with pictures to help me to grasp some of the concepts and help me to better see the story and her point of view. I found it really interesting in Hillary Chute’s article to see that even from the New York Times, they only select men’s graphic novels to dissect and call it a “man’s world, by and large.” I did not agree with that nor like it because I do have a strong belief in women’s rights which actually ties into what Persepolis is about; women suffrage and being wrongfully put down.
Questions that I have are:
What is the reason as to why there aren’t more female graphic novelists?
Is there a deeper reason to wearing the veil than just covering everything but the face?
What would happen in the setting of the graphic novel if a young girl was caught discussing their situations in such a way?
2 comments:
HEY ALYSSA!!!! :D
I also found it a bit hard to understand the Comic and the situations the young girl was going through because I don't know much about Iran's history or present day issues. It is a culture I was I could better understand and learn more about. I agree that the putting the comic in a child's perspective really helps open up a new understanding to the culture and past.
There is a deeper reason as to why they wear their veils. I'm not sure how much you know about the Islamic religion, but I was once told that the women wear these veils because hair is the most beautiful trait on a women. It lures men in and it is seen as "sinful" if anyone other than your husband were to enjoy this sight. I hope that made sense. My friend explained it ten times better, but that's the basic jist. :)
-Karen
Hey Karen! Thank you for responding to my blog and answering my question about why the veils are worn, as that it is part of their culture and something that shows their connection to their husband. It does make sense because they are meant to be covered from head to toe in other aspects. I think it is really interesting that you have someone that can help you to better understand their customs. :)
Post a Comment