Women find themselves spending so much time on trivial matters, such as taking care of the house and doing their chores, which prevents them from engaging in more meaningful affairs like political matters.

Iranian political system is patriarchal (Satrapi, 2004, 148). However, introduce a bit of negative element into the story, Satrapi includes the drawing in reversed colors at the end of the page (Satrapi, 2004, 34). This series is supposed to mean the days of Marjane’s happiness. For instance, describing the time that Marjane spent with Mehri, the maid the family used to have, the author uses quite simple graphics, showing a series of very simple black-and-white, one-perspective drawings with white background and black outlines and shapes. However, the author also depicts vividly the fear that women have to face on their way. This book highlights the importance of women to form strong support networks. The former, who is a political hero, according to Marjane, gets executed from being a Marxist supporter (Satrapi, 2004, 62). Even though Marja builds strong relationships with men as well, for example, with her father or uncle, she tends to socialize mostly with women, who function as her close confidants, while men like her uncle Anoosh and her father are rather role models for her.

Marjane turns to the latter for every important decision the girl has to make in her life. Another woman who is very close to Marja is her mother. It is obvious that the most important of these for Marjane is her relationships with her grandmother, whom she is very close to. While in Iran, Marjane nurtures several important relationships with fellow countrywomen. In addition, Satrapi manages to address gender issues very successfully. (In addition, the imagery of the novel allows us to see the way religious, political and cultural aspects of Iranian life are intertwined.

Analyzing some of the book chapters can help explain how the book sheds light on Iranian culture, downplaying a number of ethical, national and cultural stereotypes of Iranian society. Satrapi has simplified the drawings of all images including faces to challenge the reader to sue his/her imagination to explore the novel idea further (Satrapi, 2004, 29). After Marja hears the false rumor that her father was dead, she is gripped by sadness, and the picture with her imagining the floating spirits of her father and grandfather tells more than words can.

Persepolis graphic novel