It is amazing, the wealth of information that Marjane Satrapi provides the reader through comic-esque form. She paints a picture for her readers through the illustrations and dialogue that I don't think she could have ever accomplished in a full-on narrative memoir. I believe that the medium she chose, works particularly well for her story and I strongly advocate for the use of this medium for other writers in the process of writing memoirs or personal narratives (although I do recognize this is not a medium for every writer). I think it is a beautiful effective form of art that often times tells a story more intensely/effectively than words alone, ever could.
For example, on the first page of the first chapter of this book, we get the image of the veil in the elementary school. One of the first moments that sticks out to me is on the first page, when the caption plainly reads "We didn't really like to wear the veil, especially since we didn't understand why we had to."The brief, yet strong language is further enhanced by the vivid picture below in which schoolgirls are running around with their veils off, throwing them, playing jump rope, etc. They're pretending to be monsters and there is also the image of one girl choking another shouting, "execution in the name of freedom!" This quotation shocked me the first time I read it--I couldn't believe that a girl that young had been so...brainwashed. In addition, not only does the veil symbolize a lack of freedom in certain ways, it also introduces the reader to the conservative ways of the Islamic religion.
The second image and quote that grabbed my attention is on the second page when the dictator claims that bilingual schools are symbols of capitalism and must be shut down. He is standing at a podium and there are civilians below him shouting "Bravo!" and "What wisdom!" I found myself overwhelmed by the fact that these people were so vulnerable to deception...willing to follow this evil man with an agenda. It goes to show how societies can think...when people get lazy and don't want to think for themselves, or ultimately that they can be in a situation where they have no choice. The prospect of the it...the reality of it...and the willingness of so many to just...follow without question, terrifies me. This chapter is a great introduction into the Marjane's world.
Other thoughts:
I know there is a film "Persepolis" that came out within the past 5 years or so. I think it would be something for our group to possibly consider...viewing the movie together and comparing the two mediums and how they tell the story. This is something that particularly interests me. You always hear people complaining either "The movie didn't tell the whole story!" or "The movie is so much better than the book!" What has to be left aside when creating a film? What is added? How does the story change, if at all? I would love to explore this as a group. We have already discussed in class, the different ways that media effects our view of events. I wonder what effect the media has in telling Marjane's story through film vs the graphic novel.
Falling Man:
There are certain similar themes between the books we have read in class and "Persepolis". There are themes of death, torture, government, war, etc. In a certain way, like 1 Dead in Attic, I really appreciate the truth of the narrative, the fact that it is written by someone who has experienced this. This was one of my main problems with "Falling Man" (aside from the fact that in certain ways I felt it was poorly written). I would have loved to read the memoir mentioned by Chris Rose, but that's for another discussion. I think that Persepolis would be a great alternative to "Falling Man", although we will be reading another graphic novel this semester. Also I am conflicted because I really enjoyed talking about the photographs from 9/11 and our overall class discussions, so to an extent, I feel like the theme of 9/11 should remain a part of the class. I just personally don't like "Falling Man."
I have to agree that Satrapi's presentation of the novel is what makes it. The form fits perfect with the theme of a childhood marked by a time of change--shrouded with sadness, confusion, prayers, and veils. Even though the material isn't light, the graphic novel form approaches it in a light manner. This form reminds me of my own childhood, not because I can relate to living in a time of cultural revolution, but because I can relate to the form that she is using. It reminds me of watching cartoons as a kid, which kind of puts in me in the mindset of a child, which enables me to sympathize with her situation better.
ReplyDelete