Myumi Lee

IB English
Dr. Malashewski
12/09/23

One prominent theme throughout the graphic novel Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi,

elucidates the concept of culture and how it serves as a foundation in Iranian society and

heritage. The incorporation of culture is illuminated in various ways such as the cultural shifts

brought on by the harsh Iranian regime, affecting the many aspects such as religion, self identity,

and clothing, more particularly for women. A major instance that highlights the representation

of cultural conflicts through the novel is the enforcement of religious beliefs by the Iranian

regime. Satrapi illustrates this by realizing, “But she says that the Shah was chosen by God!”

(Satrapi 44) This quote accentuates the contrast between traditional religious beliefs and the

political realities enforced by the regime, emphasizing the tension between individual faith and

country mandated beliefs. Furthermore, Satrapi dives into the profound impact religious beliefs

have on individuals and their cultural identity. Satrapi beautifully portrays the struggles of

individuals against the forceful measures imposed on Iranian society to enforce religious

conformity. These characters reflect on their internal conflicts “"All my life, I’ve been faithful to

the religion. If it’s to come to this… Well, I can’t believe in anything anymore…" (Satrapi 99) as

they grapple with the transition and changes of their cultural and religious leaders. The

imposition of religious beliefs depicted as a tool of control by the regime simultaneously

challenges personal identities but also makes individuals reconsider and possibly even abandon

their deeply rooted faith. Changes in beliefs reflect the broader cultural conflict apparent in

Iranian society during that dark and tumultuous period.

 The novel also delves into the cultural significance of clothing symbolizing rebellion and

identity. Satrapi speaks on the regime’s argument, stating, “And so to protect women from all the

potential rapists, they decreed that wearing the veil was obligatory. Women’s hair emanates rays

that excite men. That’s why women should cover their hair! If in fact it is really more civilized to

go without the veil, then animals are more civilized than we are." (Satrapi 74) This quote

highlights the preposterousness of cultural norms and the impact they can have on women's

rights, using clothing as a gateway to control societal issues. The graphic novel efficiently

uses clothing to symbolize resistance. The characters who choose to rebel against the dress code,

particularly women who refuse to wear the veil, represent a quiet form of rebellion against the

enforced rules. Satrapi also explores the idea of clothing as a hypothetical sign, divided into two

significant categories of women in Iranian society. The quote, "In no time, the way people

dressed became an ideological sign. They were two kinds of women, the fundamentalist women

and the modern woman. You showed your opposition to the regime by letting a few strands of

hair show" (Satrapi 75), conveying how clothing became a form of cultural protest, challenging

the enforced rules and oppression. The choice of clothing becomes a powerful tool to assert

personal expression against cultural and political mandates. The book conveys how, in the terms

of strict dress codes, the characters have found ways to subtly rebel and enforce their own

cultural identity through choices in clothing.

Moreover, the characters within the novel embody cultural values and beliefs, functioning

as a way to explore societal values and expectations. Marjane, the protagonist, struggles with the

tension involving personal beliefs and societal constraints, highlighting the broader issue of
individual freedom in a continuously changing culture. The novel pushes readers to inquire about

the role of women in Iranian society, the consequences of political unrest regarding personal

identity, and the integration of cultural identity amidst external upheaval.

The structure of the graphic novel Persepolis, composed of interconnected perspectives,

goes against the idea of a single, all inclusive cultural experience for Iranians. Through the

multiplicity of various voices, Satrapi emphasizes the significance of not only self representation

but also self identity in reclaiming one's cultural identity without being impacted by enforced

ideologies. Persepolis dives beyond cultural stereotypes and generates a more universal

understanding of Iranian culture, exploring the diverse and interpersonal experiences of Iranian

people.