Blog #2 [Persepolis]

"Every situation has an opportunity for laughs." (p.97) Give some examples of how the ordinary citizens of Iran enjoy a life despite the oppressive regime. What made you laugh? How does Satrapi add comic relief? How are these scenes relevant to the story as a whole?
Although there was a lot of tension from the oppressive regime, the citizens were still able to enjoy themselves. They carried on with their lives as if nothing was going on. Of course, they were still very cautious. For instance, Marji's family continued having their get togethers with the family and still went to parties that people invited them to. On page 106, it is said that, "in sprite of all the dangers, the parties went on. 'Without them it wouldn't be psychologically bearable.' some said. 'Without parties, we might as well just bury ourselves now,' added the others." So I guess parties were one of the most rebellious things they could do so that they could live like normal people. In order for Marji's family to carry on wth their ordinary everyday lives while still being precautious, Marji's mother would put up black curtains to protect themselves from the neighbors who were "devoted to the new regime." What made me laugh was when Marji's grandma told the police that she had diabetes and had to go into the house for some syrup and one of the men said "Diabetes, just like my mother!" xD Satrapi puts little funny comments here and there to ease the tension of the Islamic Revolution and the war. These scenes are revelant because it helps the characters get away from their predicament. It also makes the book more enjoyable.

Discuss the role and importance of religion in Persepolis. How does religion define certain characters in the book, and affect the way they interact with each other? Is the author making a social commentary on religion, and in particular on fundamentalism? What do you think Satrapi is saying about religion's effect on the individual and society?
Ever since the Islamic Revolution, religion has become something very important in Iran. People are thought of very highly if they dress appropriately to show their obedience to the new regime. If people did not dress accordingly, they are considered rebellious and are unrespected and get into a great deal of trouble. For example, when Marji went to buy her tapes on Ghandi Avenue, she wore a denim jacket with a Michael Jackson button, tight jeans, and sneakers. The guardians caught up with her and started badgering her. The guardians were of course very religious and wore the veils that they were supposed to. It shows that people who are more religious somehow have a greater amount of power. I do believe that the author is making a social commentary on religion and fundamentalism. If people don't follow the religion they are excluded from society and looked down upon. To me, it's not very fair that the modern people that follow ideology are treated so poorly. It seems like they should be treated better since they are actually trying to be their own person and an individual. But I suppose that's how it's meant to be in Iran during the Islamic Revolution.

What kinds of captivity and freedom does the author explore in Persepolis? What stifles or prevents people from being completely free? How do they circumvent and defy the rules imposed on them and attempt to live ordinary lives despite revolution and war? Give some examples of their small acts of rebellion.
There were several things in Iran that restricted people from having their complete freedom. Things such as the veil prevented women from being free. The veil was used to cover up hair so they wouldn't attract men. I'm not entirely sure how hair would attract men...but suuuure. If any hair is unveiled, women were considered as whores. The citizens of Iran were also prohibited from consuming alcohol and having parties. People defied these rules by throwing secret parties. They had alcohol available during parties and it was provided by Marji's uncle who was a vintner. I found it interesting how the citizens were so determined to not let the revolution and war effect their freedom...which included partying.