In Persepolis, Satrapi’s family is forced to separate, sending Marjane away to Austria

because the new Islamic regime threatens the resistance of all self expression and individuality,

something that Majane is passionate and curious about. Getting sent off to Austria would allow

her to be more open with her beliefs, but in the process she needs to be separated from her

family. Therefore, a clash between the constraints imposed by religious doctrines and

individuality is exemplary throughout the novel as Marjane must make sacrifices in her life to

obtain personal freedom. The rigid atmosphere of Iran forces her and her family into making

difficult choices such as safeguarding Marjane’s individuality, in which she must sacrifice the

constant familial support that has been with her up until this point of her life. Marji’s grandma

tells her on the night of her departure, “In life you’ll meet a lot of jerks. If they hurt you, tell

yourself that it’s because they’re stupid. That will help you from reacting to their cruelty.

Because there is nothing worse than bitterness and vengeance… always keep your dignity and be

true to yourself.” (Satrapi 150) This separation from her family becomes prominent as it

illuminates the larger struggles for autonomy in an oppressive society that desires to integrate

beliefs and behaviors of the people under their control.

However, regardless of the oppressive Islamic regime which seeks to control every aspect

of their peoples public and private life, there is also a rich historic and cultural tradition of

intellectualism, art, and diverse religious beliefs that even contradict the new regime’s orthodoxy.

Marjane’s particular journey distinctly reflects how religious institutions can be both a source of

solace and a tool for oppression, depending on one’s perspective. In which she is conflicted with

such contradictions within her own family, wherein some family members embrace the ideals of

the Islamic Revolution while others blatantly resist, which undoubtedly leads to internal conflicts

that mirror the broader societal hardships.

Contradicting Scary (Satrapi 153) In Persepolis, Satrapi’s family is forced to
religious beliefs separate, sending Marjane away to Austria
because the new Islamic Regime threatens
all self-expression and individuality,
something that Majane is passionate and
curious about. Getting sent off to Austria
would allow her to be more open with her
beliefs but in the process, she needs to be
separated from her family