Persepolis

Chapter 1 Theme & Chapter 2 Allusions

Directions: After finishing Chapter 1, “The Veil,” examine the main theme within this
introductory chapter, writing a short paragraph that explains the primary concepts that Satrapi
conveys from the onset of the novel. Use at least two direct quotes to support your response:

Within the starting chapter of the historical novel, Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi conveys the
societal challenges of female suppression within Iranian customs. When the young girls are
required to don chadors at school, they perceive it as a joke and take part in mischievous plays,
with one child covering her face and titling herself the "monster of darkness" and another
strangling a fellow girl and spouting the phrase, "Execution in the name of freedom" (Satrapi 3).
Their casual interactions with one another communicate the casualty of female subjugation
amongst the young, playing with another in seemingly innocent ways when in truth, they are
raised with the concept that persecution is a casual manner of conversation and humor. The
showcase of innocence furthers that sense of passive aggression towards the topic of women as
no one, adults or authorities, take careful notice of this behavior and continue on with what they
consider to be an average sight.

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Directions: In order to fully understand Chapter 2, “The Bicycle,” we must understand each of
the allusions that Satrapi makes. Therefore, as preparation for analyzing the chapter, briefly
research each allusion and write a short 2-3 sentence summary of its historical significance.

1. Fidel Castro: Cuban socialist leader who overthrew a dictator in 1959 and established a
Marxist socialist state in Cuba.

2. Ernesto Che Guevara: Argentinean ally of Fidel Castro killed trying to spark a revolution in
Bolivia.

3. Leon Trotsky: Russian revolutionary and Communist theorist who helped Lenin and built up
the army.

4. Fatemeh Rezai: A woman executed for defending women's rights in Iran.

5. Dr. Hossein Fatemi: An Iranian scholar that requested for nationalization on Iranian oils and
gas technicalities.

6. Hamid Ashraf: An Iranian Guerilla fighter that led an attack on the Pahlavi regime.
7. Rene Descartes: 17th century French philosopher; wrote Discourse on Method; 1st principle "i
think therefore i am"; believed mind and matter were completly seperate; known as father of
modern rationalism.

8. Dialectical Materialism: The idea, according to Karl Marx, that change and development in
history results from the conflict between social classes. Economic forces impel human beings to
behave in socially determined ways.

9. Cinema Rex Fire: An abandoned building that was set alight and is also known as the start of
the Iranian Revolution with the representation of rebellion against the government.

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YOU DO NOT HAVE TO COMPLETE THIS PORTION!

After you have finished your research, choose THREE of the following questions and answer
them in 3-4 sentences each. Simply cut and paste the question in the spaces provided below.

● Who are Che Guevara? Fidel? Trotsky? Why are they important?
● How do the children begin to reflect the political realities of the adult world in which they
live?
● Explain the simile of the bicycle. Why is it the chapter title?
● The Persian people faced oppression from what four sources?
● Who are Rezai? Dr. Fatemi? and H. Ashrap? Why are they important?
● What is “dialectic materialism”?
● Who are Marx and Descartes? What does each believe? How does each philosopher
reflect Marji’s conflict? What is the outcome of this conflict for Marji?
● How did books shape public sentiment?
● How does Marji’s relationship with God begin to change?
● What happens at Rex Cinema? What is the political spin?
● What do you suppose is Marji’s underlying motive for desiring to join her parents in the
street demonstration?

1.

2.
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4. Using at least two direct quotes, explain the main theme of the chapter: