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“The Party” p.

40-46
1. Discuss an example of symbolism on page 40.

2. How does the Shah attempt to appease the people? Why did he fail?
On TV he made a declaration that together they will try to march towards democracy,
showing his understanding of people's revolt. He failed because in reality the Shah did not
want democracy and couldn't find prime minister and the only thing people wanted was his
departure, they didn't believe him anymore.

3. How does the picture of the people on page 42 differ from the one at the beginning of the
chapter?
The picture on page 42 depicts incredibly happy people who finally got rid of the emperor
(it was the biggest celebration in the country of its entire history), unlike the people depicted
at the beginning of the chapter, who died during demonstrations and massacres, literally
suffering from the monarchy`s regime.

4. How has the US changed its public policy toward Iran?


They declared that the president of the US refused to give refuge to the exiled Shah and his
family, even though they were friends with Iran based on their interest in oil.

5. Who is Anwar AI-Sadat? Why did he offer refuge to the Shah?


Anwar AI-Sadat is the president of Egypt. He offered refuge to the Shah because they have
been friends for a long time (they both betrayed the countries of our region by making a pact
with Israel).

6. According to Marji`s dad, why will the Middle East never have peace?
He believes that the Middle East will never have peace because of the region's vast reserves
of oil. He explains that powerful countries around the world, particularly the United States,
have interests in controlling the region's oil resources, which leads to interventions and
conflicts that prevent peace in the Middle East.

7. What contributes to Marji's anger and confusion when she returns to school?
She was confused about that phenomenon everywhere. That first teacher commands children
to tear out all the photos of the Shah from their books and even though, before, the teacher
was the one who claimed that the Shah was chosen by god, now she gets angry about such
words and punishes Marjy by standing her in the corner.

8. What story did Marji's neighbor make up about the spot on her cheek? What did this reflect
about Iranian people?
The story was that a bullet almost hit his wife`s cheek, even though she always had that spot
there.

9. Why do Marji and her friends want to attack Ramin? Where do we see this behavior today?
Because a father of one boy said that Ramin`s father was in the secret police of the Shah's
regime (savak) and killed a million people.

10. What two lessons does Marji learn from her mother?
1. We have to forgive
2. It is not children`s fault of what their parents doing

11. Why does Ramin believe his father is not a murder? How does his comment reflect the
attitude of other children?
Because Ramin repeats what his parents tell him that his father killed communists and
communists are evil. Other children are confused and searching for explanation from their
parents

“The Heroes”

1. 3000
2. On a trip, that he is dead
3. Nobody accepts the truth
4. In prison, Mohsen - revolutionary, Siamak - subversive articles in the keyhan
5. Torture, shared experiences of torture
6. CIA
7. Sad, disturbed
8. Marji feels insignificant, “small” compared to Laly
9. Being tortured, being in prison (?)
10. Giving them ideas (games imitating torture)
11. Not knowing what justice is (everyone needs to and their own opinion)
12. She decided to return to religion

“Moscow” p.54-61

1. What motivated Marji to tell lies about her father? What is your opinion of her behaviour?

- Marji was motivated to lie about her father because he was not a hero and she
wanted to have someone cool to talk about.

2. Who is Anoosh? How does Marji feel about him? Why?

- Anoosh is Marji’s uncle and she really liked him partly because he was a hero and
partly because he was kind.

3. Who is Fereydoon? What was his goal? How would he accomplish his goal?

- Fereydoon is a friend of Anoosh that elected himself of justice in the republic they
created.

4. Why did Anoosh abandon Fereydoon?

- Anoosh abandoned Fereydoon because had been surrounded by the Iranian police
and he was not in any power to help.

5. Where did Anoosh go? How would you categorize him?

- Anoosh went to his parents, and this would characterize him as a kind family man.
6. How does Anoosh’s father react to his return? Why?

- Anoosh’s father reacted negatively to his return asking why he did not stay with his
uncle but helped him when his wife told him to. He reacted this way because he did
not support Anoosh’s choices.

7. Why did Anoosh have to leave so quickly after his arrival? Where did he go?

- Anoosh had to leave so quickly after arriving due to being pursued by the Shah’s
men. He went to the U.S.S.R.

8. Who came to visit Fereydoon before his execution? ON what conditions was this visit
permitted?

- The one who came to visit Fereydoon before his execution was girlfriend and she
was permitted to visit due to being from a good family and bribing the officer.

9. What does the reader learn about the status of women in Iran?

- The status of women in Iran is lower than that of a man and single mothers will be
shunned.

10. What does Anoosh study in the USSR? What change does Marji’s response to her uncle
show?

- Anoosh studied Marxist-Leninism in the U.S.S.R and Marji’s response shows she
interested in it and herself has read about it.

11. What does Anoosh reveal about his past? What ironic statement does he make?

- Anoosh reveals that he had a family, but he and his wife got divorced. He states
that Russians aren’t like us, its hearts they don’t have.

12. How is the picture at the top of page 60 symbolic?

- The picture on top of page 60 is symbolic because it shows Anoosh sleeping and
his most important people around him. Symbolizing that he is dreaming of seeing
them and that he perhaps always feels they will be there for him.

13. How does Anoosh attempt to leave behind his old life? Is he successful?

- Anoosh attempts to leave his old life behind because he felt lonely, however he is
not successful due to being discovered by the police despite of his disguise.

14. What caused Anoosh to suffer the most in his life? Why?

- What caused Anoosh to suffer most in his life was his wife, because she made him
lose his newfound family in Soviet Russia.

15. What is Anoosh’s primary motive for sharing his story with Marji?
- Anoosh told Marji all of this because its important and their family memory must
not go lost.

16. What gift does Anoosh give to Marji? What does it symbolize?

- Anoosh gives Marji a bread swan he made in prison. It symbolizes hope and
freedom I my opinion and that one must never give up.

17. How does Marji’s conflict from the beginning reach a resolution?

- Marji’s conflict from the start of the chapter reaches a resolution after having learnt
her family is full of heroes.

18. What seems to be the underlying theme of this chapter?

- The underlying theme of this chapter seems to be the importance of telling one’s
story so people’s stories do not get lost to time and history does not repeat itself. '

“The sheep” p. 62-71

1. What is the significance of the title? How does it help Chategerterize the people of Iran?

- The significance of the title shows that the people of Iran follow the popular idea.

2. What do Eby and Anoosh find so troubling about the revolution in Iran?

- Eby and Anosh find it troubling that the revolution is leftist but wants to be called
Islamic.

3. According to Anoosh, why is it nearly impossible to persuade the population to follow


Marxism?

- Anosh finds it troubling that since half of the people of Iran are illiterate they
cannot be united under Marx.

4. What was the reported outcome of the elections? How does Marji’s father explain these
results?

- The reported outcome of the election is 99.99% voted for the Islamic Republic. The
father explains that the whole number is fake and the election was rigged.

5. What are he two possible consequences of the peoples ignorance?

- The two possible consequences for people with ignorance are either they don’t
know the consequences of their actions or they do something on the fly.

6. Why do Marji’s parents subject themselves to political upheaval and refuse to leave Iran?
What is the opinion of those who left?
- Marji’s parent believes that the people who left are just afraid of change and think
if they leave they won’t get proper jobs.

7. What new does the phone call bring? What is Anoosh’s response?

- The phone call brings news about Mohsen’s death, and Anosh responds that
everything will be all right.

8. Ironically, what happens next?

- Ironically, Siamak was visited right after and his sister was killed.

9. How does satrapi carry the symbolism throught this chapter?

- Satrapi carries the symbolism through the chapter by placing Siamaks’ family
among a herd of sheep.

10. Contrast Anoosh’ reaction on page 66 to his reaction to the previous news.

- The contrast between Anosh’s responses is that first, he says it with confidence,
stands upright, and wears a nice shirt. On the other hand, he says it quietly, hunched
over drawn with a fully black shirt and some tears dropping.

11. What makes Marji suspect that something has happened to anoosh?

- Marji suspects something has happened to Anosh since he didn’t come to pick her
up from school.

12. What is Anoosh’s final wish? Why?

- Anoosh has one final wish which is to have Marji come to visit him because he
always thought of Marji as the child he never had.

13. Comment on the symbolism on page 69.

- The symbolism of the Bread swan shows Anoosh’s ability to keep his humanity to
the very end without falling into despair.

14. Under what premise is Anoosh executed?

- Anoosh is executed as a Russian spy.

15. Who comes to visit Marji after Anoosh’s death? What is Marji’s reaction?

- God comes and visits Marji after Anoosh dies and Marji has nothing of it and
makes God go away.

16. Discuss how the artistic and literary elements on page 71 help convey mood and theme.

- The Mood and theme being conveyed on page 71 help convey the way Marji is
spaced out how empty she feels and how she is just floating through space.
“THE SHEEP”

1. The title "The Sheep" in the book Persepolis symbolizes the people of Iran being
fearful and easily manipulated. It characterizes the Iranian majority as a flock of
sheep, following each other without questioning, similar to being ignorant and
uneducated like sheep. The title reflects how the masses in Iran are portrayed as
lacking education and the ability to see through manipulation, making choices as
a group without considering personal opinions. This comparison highlights the
vulnerability and susceptibility of the Iranian population to external influences,
particularly by the Islamic State, showcasing a sense of fear and conformity
among the people of Iran.
2. Eby and Anoosh find the revolution in Iran troubling because they realize that
the only things that can truly unite the Iranian people are nationalism or religion,
not political ideology like Marxism. Anoosh expresses that it is easier to rally the
public around religion rather than political beliefs, emphasizing that nationalism
or religious ethics are what can effectively unite the population. This realization
highlights the challenge of uniting a diverse and largely illiterate population like
Iran around complex political ideologies, leading to concerns about the direction
of the revolution and the potential consequences of a shift towards an Islamic
regime. The fear of life under the rule of the Islamic Republic and the violent
acts carried out by the regime further intensify their apprehensions about the
future of Iran.
3. Anoosh finds it nearly impossible to persuade the population to follow
Marxism because in a country like Iran, where half the population is
illiterate, it is challenging to unite people around Marxist ideologies.
Anoosh explains that the only things that can truly unite the Iranian people
are nationalism or religion, not political ideology like Marxism. Due to the
high illiteracy rates and lack of education, the majority of the population
responds more emotionally to nationalist or religious sentiments rather
than complex political theories like Marxism. This observation highlights
the difficulty of introducing and gaining support for Marxist ideas in a
society where nationalism and religious beliefs hold stronger sway over
the population.
4. The reported outcome of the elections in Iran was that 99.99% of the
population voted for the Islamic Republic, according to the TV report.
However, Marjane's father, who is a leftist revolutionary, believes that
these results were faked and that the people were manipulated into voting
for the Islamic Republic. He argues that the revolution was initially a
leftist revolution, but it has shifted towards an Islamic fundamentalist
regime.
5. The two possible consequences of the people's ignorance in the book
"Persepolis" are the susceptibility to manipulation and the inability to
understand complex political ideologies. The masses in Iran, portrayed as
ignorant and easily manipulated like sheep, lack education and the ability
to see through manipulation. This ignorance makes them vulnerable to
external influences, particularly by the Islamic State, leading to choices
made as a group without considering personal opinions. Additionally, the
high illiteracy rates and lack of education in Iran make it challenging to
unite people around Marxist ideologies, as they respond more emotionally
to nationalist or religious sentiments rather than complex political theories
like Marxism. This ignorance ultimately results in a population that can be
easily swayed and controlled by those in power, highlighting the dangers
of a society where critical thinking and education are lacking.
6. Marji's parents subject themselves to political upheaval and refuse to leave
Iran because they love their country and have built a life there, despite the
troubling changes in the government. They are deeply attached to Iran,
both as their homeland and as the place where they have established their
lives. Marji's father explains that those who left Iran for countries like the
United States did so out of fear of change and limited economic
opportunities in their home country. He expresses confidence that those
who left will eventually return, believing that they are simply afraid of the
transformations happening in Iran. This decision to stay reflects their deep-
rooted connection to Iran and their hope for a better future despite the
challenges they face.
7. The phone call brings the news that Mohsen Shakiba was found dead in
his bathtub, indicating that he was murdered. Anoosh's response to this
news is solemn, and all he can say is "everything will be alright". This
tragic event adds to the atmosphere of uncertainty and fear in the book,
reflecting the turmoil and violence present in Iran during that time.
8. Ironically, after the phone call about Mohsen Shakiba's murder, Marjane's
parents try to protect her from the truth that Anoosh has been arrested.
However, Marjane sees through their attempts and learns the reality from
her father. Anoosh, who had been imprisoned, requests to see Marjane as
his one allowed visitor. During their emotional meeting, Anoosh tells
Marjane that she is the daughter he always wanted and gives her another
bread swan as a gift. Sadly, not long after this visit, Anoosh is executed.
This sequence of events showcases the harsh reality of the political
upheaval in Iran and the personal tragedies faced by those involved in the
revolution.
9. In the chapter "The Sheep" of the book Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi carries
symbolism through the title by likening the people of Iran to sheep,
symbolizing fear, ignorance, and susceptibility to manipulation. The title
"The Sheep" signifies the Iranian population being fearful, easily
manipulated, and lacking education like sheep. This comparison
characterizes the masses as ignorant and uneducated, following each other
without questioning, and making choices as a group without considering
personal opinions. The symbolism of sheep in this chapter highlights the
vulnerability and conformity of the Iranian people to external influences,
particularly by the Islamic State, showcasing a sense of fear and lack of
critical thinking among the population. Through this symbolism, Satrapi
effectively conveys the atmosphere of uncertainty and manipulation
prevalent in Iran during that time.
10. In the book "Persepolis," the contrast in Anoosh's reaction on page 66 to
his reaction to the previous news is significant. Initially, Anoosh expresses
confidence that everything will be alright, emphasizing his belief in the
eventual rule of the proletariat and downplaying concerns about the shift
towards an Islamic regime in Iran. However, as the events unfold and he is
arrested, Anoosh's demeanor changes. He becomes less assured and his
expressions reveal a deeper understanding of the grim reality unfolding
around him. Despite his earlier optimism, Anoosh's deteriorating facial
expressions suggest a growing realization of the challenges and dangers
ahead, indicating a shift from his initial confidence to a more somber
acceptance of the harsh realities faced by revolutionaries like himself. This
contrast in Anoosh's reactions highlights the evolving nature of his beliefs
and emotions in response to the escalating political turmoil and personal
tragedies he encounters.
11. In the book "Persepolis," Marjane Satrapi's mother tells her that Anoosh's
wife called him and asked him to come back to Moscow. Marjane knows
that this is a lie because Anoosh never talks to his wife. This information
leads Marjane to suspect that something has happened to Anoosh.
12. Anoosh's final wish is for Marjane to be the one visitor he is allowed in
prison. During their visit, Anoosh embraces Marjane, expressing that she
is the daughter he wished he could have had. He reassures her by saying
that one day the proletariat will rule and gives her a bread swan as a
parting gift. Shortly after this visit, Anoosh is executed. Anoosh's final
wish reflects his deep connection to Marjane and his desire to impart hope
for a better future to her, despite the grim circumstances surrounding his
impending execution.
13. In the book "Persepolis," the symbolism of the title "The Sheep" is
significant. The title symbolizes the people of Iran being fearful, easily
manipulated, and lacking education. This comparison highlights the
vulnerability and susceptibility of the Iranian population to external
influences, particularly by the Islamic State, showcasing a sense of fear
and conformity among the people of Iran. The title also reflects how the
masses in Iran are portrayed as a flock of sheep, following each other
without questioning, similar to being ignorant and uneducated like sheep.
This comparison helps to characterize the people of Iran as a flock of
sheep, following each other without questioning, similar to being ignorant
and uneducated like sheep.
14. Anoosh is executed under the premise that the Russian judicial sector
believed he was a spy for Russia. This false accusation leads to Anoosh's
tragic execution, highlighting the injustices and political turmoil present in
the book "Persepolis."
15. After Anoosh's death, God comes to visit Marjane, and her reaction is one
of anger and rejection. Marjane yells at God, telling him to "get out of
[her] life," as she feels that there is no more comfort left in life after the
tragic events that have unfolded. This moment reflects Marjane's deep
sense of loss and disillusionment following the death of Anoosh,
emphasizing the emotional turmoil and existential questioning she
experiences in the face of such profound tragedies.
16. On page 71 of the book "Persepolis," the artistic and literary elements
work together to convey the mood and theme effectively. The use of visual
elements, such as the illustrations and panel layout, along with the
accompanying text, helps create a somber and introspective mood. The
imagery on this page may include dark or muted colors, expressive facial
expressions, and perhaps symbolic representations that reflect the
emotional weight of the narrative at that point in the story. Additionally,
the text on this page likely contributes to the theme by delving into deeper
reflections on political turmoil, personal struggles, or societal challenges
present in the narrative. By combining these artistic and literary elements,
Marjane Satrapi can effectively convey a sense of melancholy,
contemplation, or tension that aligns with the overarching themes of the
chapter "The Sheep" in "Persepolis”.

“The Trip” p. 72-79

1. What was the US response to the embassy take-over? Why was this news particularly
upsetting for Marji?

due to the hostile takeover of the US embassy, Marji would no longer have the slightest
chance of being able to go and see her friend, Kaveh, in the US. Kaveh had moved a year
earlier and Marji was hoping to see them.
2. How did the new Islamic republic impact the educational system?

The new islamic republic wanted to reform the educational system at all of its stages. They,
with an ulterior motive, closed down all universities for 2 years. In actuality the government
didn't want to educate future imperialists.

3. What impact would the Islamic republic have on young women like Marji?

By shutting down universities Marji's dream of becoming an educated and well respected
chemist went up in smoke, just like her plans to see Kaveh. Ultimately these kinds of
decisions undermine people's hopes and dreams, which also gives more power to
authoritarian governments.

4. What consequences did women like Marji's mom face if they failed to comply with the new
fundamentalist guidelines?

Marji's mother experienced harassment and was threatened after failing to comply with the
fundamentalist guidelines. she was told that women who dont wear the veil should be raped
and thrown into garbage.

5. What was the rationale for making the veil obligatory?

“to protect women from potential rapists..” essentially they had created a problem and forced
a solution; wear the veil or potentially get raped.

6. How did the Fundamentalist woman and man differ from the modern woman and man?

The differences between the two types of men are: fundamentalist men don't shave and
they're shirts are not tucked in. whereas for fundamentalist women showed no hair and
dressed in chador whereas the modern women showed some strands of hair and wore less
traditional clothing.

7. What were considered to be clear symbols of the West?

mens ties were a clear symbol of the west. probably because of the link to capitalism.

8. Comment on Marji's statement, "There was a kind of justice, after all."

she was referring to some kind of restriction towards men that would somewhat make them
understand what it was like to have your freedom infringed upon.

9. How did ordinary citizens respond to the new guidelines established by the regime?

Marji's mother had noticed that one of their neighbors had completely changed style over the
course of a year. She went from wearing miniskirts that showed off her body to wearing a
chador. This signifies a change within the population.

10. What should Marji tell people she does during the day?
As her Mother instructed, Marji was to inform others that she prays if anyone asks what she
does during the die. she became quite accustomed to lying about how often she prays.

11. discuss the scene on page 77.

It is a splash panel that signifies the beginning of Marji's family's trip to europe. with a
mostly black background and white swirls all across the page. We also see Marji and her
family on what appears to be a magic carpet flying through the air. with silhouettes of
buildings on the sides and right corner of the frame. with the family happily smiling as they
are lifted off into the night, i believe it is a metaphor for the feeling of the beginning of the
trip. There was lots of uncertainty and anxiety surrounding the trip because they were not
sure what kind of place Iran would be once they returned.

12. At their Madrid hotel, what startles Marji’s family when they see a report about Iran on
television? What are a couple of the explanations for this natural phenomenon?

They are met with a map with Iran in the center and a black cloud coming from the north
over the south of the whole country. As the family was located in Madrid they did not know
what was being said about the country and were unsure of its meaning. they speculated that
it could be a report about pollution, my first instinct was about some kind of terrible weather
forecast.

13. Who meets Marji's family at the airport? What is their mood upon return?
Marji’s grandmother met the family on arrival at the airport. she looked worried once they
arrived.

14. Marji's mother remarks that there is no place like home. Considering the surprising news
they learn, how is this statement ironic?

The saying there's no place like home is usually used in the context of returning to a warm
and safe feeling. For example, returning after a long journey and being proud to come from a
country. This is ironic because the next piece of information that's shared is that Iran is being
invaded and is presently at war.

15. When was the last invasion of iran? What was the reason for this second Arab invasion?

The last invasion of Iran was also conducted by the “Arabs” and was 1400 years ago. The
reason Iraq decided to invade was that the dangerous ideology that was arising in Iran
needed to be dealt with before spreading across the border. Although Marji's grandmother
hypothesizes that the leader of Iraq at the time had been waiting for the chance to invade.

16. How does Marji respond to the news of the invasion?

She was furious. “...my blood was boiling… I was ready to defend my country against the
arabs who kept attacking us”. she wanted to fight.
The f-14s

1. Whose jets did marji see above her head?

- Iraqis jets

2. What is marji determined to do after the tehrans attack and what is her fathers?

- Marji wants the pilots to bomb baghdad (idk about the dad sorry)

3. What is her fathers response?

- ???

4. How does marji reflect the common stereotypical thinking of other iranians? How does marjis
dad cut through her propaganda thinking?

- Marji kept calling the Iraqis their enemies and the dad replied with “the real islamic invasion
came from our own government”

5. What is the nature of the war as reflected in the last frame on page 81?

- Sudden and surprising.

6. What attitude do marjis comments and behaviour toward her parents reflect?

- That she dissagrees and doesn’t like their unpatriotic thinking. The feet on the table could also
indicate dissrespect via manners.

7. Why would it be impossible for Iran to retailiate effectively against baghdad?

- The govornment captured jailed and executed the pilots out of fear for a coup de etat making a
shortage in manpower to fulfill that task.

8. Why is marji angry at her father?

- She thinks her dad is unpatriotic and a defeatist (“expecting not to succeed, and showing it in a
particulat situation”) – oxford learners dictionaries.

9. Why was it so unusual to hear the national anthem? Why, did they learn, had it been played?

- It was banned and forbidden for over a year and as for why it was played (was it because they
were about to bomb baghdad??)
10. What shocking news does the television report? What is the initial reaction of marjis dad? Why?

- That the islams are going to bomb baghdad and her dad didn’t believe the news cause and I
quote “you cant always believe what they say past 8”

11. What was the outcome of the attack on baghdad?

- A lot of pilots were released from jail but the airforces suffered heavy casualties. (about half
the planes didn’t return)

12. How would you describe marjis response to her teachers writing assignment? What was her
teachers reaction to her report?

- Marji didn’t stress about it whatsoever cause she claimed she knew all about the war. The
teacher was not impressed whatsoever.

13. What does paradisse describe in her paper? How does marji try to console her friend?

- She says that she will take care of her mother and brother. Marji tries to console paradisse by
saying her dad was a true hero.

14. What is paradisses response? What does marji learn from this experience?

- paradisse didn’t like that her dad died a hero cause she would rather her dad be alive and in
jail. (idk what marji could learn from that. She looked a little shocked?)

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