Persepolis Background By: Marjane Satrapi www.randomhouse.com/pantheon/graphicnovels/ en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persepolis

Title 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.

Revolution Continued The first major demonstrations against the Shah began in January 1978. The Shah left Iran for exile in mid- January 1979.

Revolution Continued The monarchy was replaced by an Islamic republic under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Much of Persepolis reflects on the injustice within the country following the exile of the Shah. .

Iranians’ Views of the Revolution 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.“ 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 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 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.

Background Continued 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 Islam is a religion Muslim is a person practicing Islam Nearly 1 in 5 people in the world today 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