Sunday, October 19, 2008

Discussion on a Scene from Persepolis - Martyrs and Blood Transfusions

Lots of tragic scenes occur in Marjane Satrapi's Persepolis but so does some figurative language to illustrate the horrible scenes of peace movements squelched by a theocratic regime in Iran.

Satrapi's description of a martyr giving a blood transfusion to society describes the process to be extremely painful. Society is given "bad blood" from the matyrdom, from the Islamic extremists who believe Western ways are "decadent" and "evil" and believe their only way of life is the way to live.

The panels above the blood transfusion depict the extremists destroying society brick by brick; painting graffiti of martyrs, declarations of conquering Karbala and reaping away many civil rights which include women's rights. Even Satrapi climbing down the stairs telling about the chaos is metaphorical of Iran's descent into madness, fanaticism and darkness. Satrapi's right as a citizen would be going downhill because she is a woman. As a woman, she would be forced to wear the veil and be treated as nothing but a second class citizen.

Persepolis is a great graphic memoir which bears Satrapi's good memories as well as the horrible memories. When Satrapi brought out horrible memories, there was nothing indicating anything was holding back her pencil and ink.

- Kristopher

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