Prompt: Write a description of Marji’s personality as we see it from the beginning to the end

of “The story of a Childhood.” Include ideas on how she relates to other people (family,
teachers, friends, authority figures). Offer examples to back up your findings.

Panel #1 to analyze: Analysis of how this panel demonstrates Marji’s

personality:

In this panel, Satrapi showcases the character as one

who was reluctant to question all authority around her.
This exemplifies her naivety and immaturity at Marji’s
young age, as she is not able or willing to comprehend
her reality. Marji had blindly accepted the events
around her as seen through the text, which can similarly
be seen through the graphic weight of her head
covering. This symbolizes the inability to question her
authorities at this age due to immaturity. The concept of
compliance is highlighted by Satrapi at this point to
compare it to Marji’s society around her, who often
either comply or revolt. This is a defining moment in
Marji’s life where she is presented with a choice in her
role in society and her beliefs. Therefore, Marji’s
identity as a person has not yet been shaped by any
external factors.

Panel #2 to analyze: Analysis of how this panel demonstrates Marji’s

personality:

Within this panel, Marji introduces the first passion of

hers within her identity. She expresses her love for
religion, as she finds comfort within her God
throughout the duration of her childhood. The emanata
of Marji as a baby smiling while being spiritual
emphasizes the importance of religion to the character.
As the text states that she was born with religion, this
further demonstrates the extent to which her God
shapes her identity and core beliefs within herself. The
lack of graphic weight in the white showcases Marji as
being pure and innocent when connected with God,
which shows its importance to the character.

Panel #3 to analyze: Analysis of how this panel demonstrates Marji’s

personality:
 In this panel, Marji’s previous innocent identity begins
to transform. During the revolutionary era which she is
living in, Marji is exposed to external forces which are
in support of the war. These influences provoked the
impressionable character to romanticize and idolize
warring figures, such as Che Quevara. This panel
emphasizes Marji’s naivety and immaturity, as although
she knows little of war, she still is in support of the
revolution as her parents are. This highlights Marji’s
transforming identity as she is now voluntarily
involving herself in politics and her own reality through
immaturity.

Panel #4 to analyze: Analysis of how this panel demonstrates Marji’s

personality:

This panel showcases the loss of passion for religion

within Marji’s personality. Despite previously
confiding in her God and finding safety within her
religion, her exposure to harsh realities has inevitably
shifted her perspective. The text of Marji yelling at this
holy figure is symbolic of her rejection of religion,
which later creates a void within her identity previously
rooted in God. Marji now blames religion for her
hardships opposed to confiding in it for comfort,
showing the development of her personality to be
vindictive and accusatory.

Panel #5 to analyze: Analysis of how this panel demonstrates Marji’s

personality:

In this panel, Marji showcases her want to dispose of

her previous immaturity and naivety. Despite the
cigarette being an object of disposal, the character uses
it to emphasize her reluctance to be seen as childish.
This voluntary decision of Marji to reject her past
shows the transformation of Marji into adulthood. As
her personality was once young and impressionable,
this panel shows her change in character. The graphic
weight within the panel foreshadows the future
detrimental effects of developing this newfound
characteristic.
Final Conclusion: What does Marji find most important in life?

Nearing the beginning of Marji’s childhood, it is arguable that religion and the bonds it creates
with others was the most important foundation within her life. However, by the end of her
childhood, the seen rejection of religion leads the most important aspect of her life to be rooted
within protesting. Marji’s identity is now strongly associated with rebellion as it had been a
valued quality throughout her childhood. No longer as impressionable, Marji now focuses on
herself and her developing beliefs as they are reflected through rebellion and protesting.