Introduction
The Persepolis cartoon demonstrates the unstable political situation in the Iranian capital Tehran from 1979-1984. The geographical component of the comic is the contrast of events, social classes, and opinions of residents. The historical period shown in the cartoon is represented by a period of disputes and revolutions. The main character, Marjana, is a resident of Tehran, and the process, social change, and injustice, as well as the struggle of ideologies, are developing before her eyes. Although the acute political situation in Tehran is demonstrated almost from the very beginning of the film, there are still no positive changes in the social and political environment throughout the film and to the end.
Setting and Geography
Tehran is an example of a city in which the sharpness of contrasts is very clearly traced. It has rich and poor, traditional areas and modern, religious, and more open. Many entirely different people and ideologies leads to disputes and revolutions among the population. Marjana is also the embodiment of contrast since childhood, and she has been between the high social class represented by her family and the low one, for example, represented by her maid, who is not even allowed to eat with the owners. In addition, the difference between Western and Eastern culture is very clearly demonstrated when Marjana goes in Western clothes to pick up cassettes in the eastern district of the city. All of these forms Marjana’s uncertain attitude to the problematic situation of revolutions and transformations.
The surrounding environment also includes the school in which the main character is studying. The changes also affected the school, in which the separation of boys and girls became mandatory, as well as the wearing of a burqa. Further, growing up, Marjana attends an art college, which does not allow her students to develop creatively. All the girls in the burqa draw those who are also in the burqa, which does not go unnoticed by Marjana. A constant feeling of fear, instability, and infringement is present throughout the life of the main character.
Much attention in the cartoon is paid to Marjana’s life in Vienna. Europe is more liberated, permissiveness reigns in it, which is alien to the main character because, in her native Iran, there are strict prohibitions on any liberties. It is difficult for a girl in a foreign country since the culture and language barrier strongly divide her and Europe. She feels like a stranger both in Iran and in the West, which gives the impression of isolation and loneliness. In this case, the Tehran airport becomes symbolic, which shows the state of uncertainty between Vienna and Iran. After returning to Tehran, the girl sees the horror of war and destruction and understands how many people have become victims of bombing and military actions. A sense of alienation grows in her, as she realizes that she was far away from all the suffering that her compatriots suffered.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Persepolis cartoon is complex and multifaceted as it shows the problems of wars, revolutions, and alienation. The narrative is based on the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of the main character Marjana, who grows throughout the cartoon and her views change. The girl is torn between her native Iran, which has become a territory with strict rules, and the West, in which there are no rules, where freedom reigns. Conflicts and contradictions are demonstrated both based on two different countries and through the thoughts and feelings of Marjana, through the interaction of other cultures. Probably, the authors wanted to draw the attention of viewers to the problems existing in modern times, which remain unresolved.