Persepolis (2007)

Brief Intro

“Persepolis” (2007) is an animated biographical film directed by Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud. It is based on Satrapi’s autobiographical graphic novel of the same name. The film portrays Satrapi’s childhood and early adult years in Iran during and after the Islamic Revolution, exploring themes of identity, rebellion, and resilience.

Literary Devices Used in Persepolis

Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
Marjane’s veil	The veil represents oppression and loss of individuality under the regime.
Marjane’s cigarette	The cigarette symbolizes rebellion and a grasp at freedom.

Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
Marjane’s rock concert dreams	Represents her desire for freedom and Western influences.
Uncle Anouche’s bread swan	Symbolizes hope and the fragility of life under the regime.

Flashback

Movie Scene	Device Example
Childhood memories	Marjane’s flashbacks to her childhood depict innocence lost.
Life in Austria	Reflects on her time away from Iran, providing context to her identity crisis.

Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Revolutionary chants	The irony of chanting for freedom but ending up under a stricter regime.
Marjane’s return	She leaves for freedom but returns to a repressive society, highlighting the ironic fate.

Hyperbole

Movie Scene	Device Example
Teacher’s portrayal of history	Exaggerated depiction of Iran’s history in school to indoctrinate students.
Marjane’s reaction to Western culture	Exaggerated cultural shock and adaptation struggles.

Personification

Movie Scene	Device Example
Marjane’s depression	Depicted as a black figure following her, giving it a tangible form.
Memories of her family	Her memories feel alive, as if interacting with her in the present.

Imagery

Movie Scene	Device Example
War scenes	Vivid imagery of bombings and destruction to evoke emotional response.
Streets of Tehran	Detailed imagery of the changing cityscape reflecting societal changes.

Allegory

Movie Scene	Device Example
The trip to Turkey	Represents a journey of self-discovery and cultural identity.
Marjane’s exile	Represents the universal experience of displacement and search for belonging.

Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Device Example
Marjane’s life in Iran vs. Austria	Contrasts the oppressive and liberal environments.
Traditional Iranian culture vs. Western influence	Highlights the cultural conflict and Marjane’s internal struggle.

Motif

Movie Scene	Device Example
Veils and clothing	Repeated references to signify freedom vs. repression.
Music	Recurring element that represents rebellion and cultural blending.

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Marjane Satrapi

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Her rebellious acts, like wearing Western clothing, symbolize resistance.
Flashback	Her memories of childhood shape her identity and views on freedom.

Uncle Anouche

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	The bread swan represents hope and resilience.
Irony	His fate reflects the ironic tragedy of seeking freedom but facing persecution.

Taji Satrapi (Marjane’s Mother)

Device	Explanation
Metaphor	Her struggles symbolize the larger fight for women’s rights in Iran.
Imagery	Her appearances and actions depict the silent strength and endurance of Iranian women.

Ebi Satrapi (Marjane’s Father)

Device	Explanation
Allegory	His discussions about politics represent the intellectual resistance against oppression.
Juxtaposition	His rationality contrasts with Marjane’s emotional responses, highlighting generational differences.

Character Dynamics

• Marjane and Her Grandmother: Their relationship showcases the transfer of wisdom and strength, with the grandmother often using metaphors and allegories to impart life lessons.
• Marjane and Her Friends in Austria: The cultural and ideological contrasts between Marjane and her Austrian friends are depicted through juxtaposition, highlighting her internal conflict and search for identity.

Thematic Analysis

Identity and Self-Discovery

Device	Explanation
Flashback	Marjane’s recollections of her childhood shape her understanding of her identity.
Juxtaposition	The contrast between her life in Iran and Austria illustrates her internal struggle and journey of self-discovery.

Rebellion and Resistance

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Acts of rebellion, like wearing Western clothes, symbolize resistance against oppression.
Metaphor	Marjane’s cigarette smoking represents a personal grasp at freedom.

The Impact of War and Politics

Device	Explanation
Imagery	Vivid depictions of war and its consequences evoke emotional responses and highlight the brutality of conflict.
Allegory	Marjane’s family stories and experiences reflect the broader socio-political struggles in Iran.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Imagery	Animation style	The monochromatic palette and simple lines enhance the starkness of war scenes.
Flashback	Visual transitions	Smooth transitions between past and present help seamlessly integrate Marjane’s memories.
Metaphor	Sound design	The use of silence or specific sounds (e.g., bombs) emphasizes metaphoric elements like oppression.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene 1: Marjane’s Childhood During the Revolution

• Link: Marjane’s Childhood Scene
• Breakdown: This scene uses flashbacks and vivid imagery to depict the impact of the revolution on Marjane’s childhood. The juxtaposition of her innocent perspective with the harsh realities of the revolution highlights the loss of innocence and the beginning of her rebellious spirit.

Scene 2: Uncle Anouche’s Story

• Link: Uncle Anouche’s Story
• Breakdown: The scene employs symbolism (the bread swan) and allegory to convey hope and the tragic irony of seeking freedom but facing persecution. The emotional weight of this scene is amplified by the use of somber music and visual emphasis on the swan.

Scene 3: Marjane’s Cultural Shock in Austria

• Link: Cultural Shock in Austria
• Breakdown: This scene juxtaposes Marjane’s life in Iran with her experiences in Austria, highlighting her identity crisis. Hyperbole is used to depict her exaggerated reactions to Western culture, underscoring the cultural conflict and her struggle to adapt.

Conclusion

Interactive Quiz

1. What does Marjane’s cigarette symbolize?
   • A) Health
   • B) Freedom
   • C) Friendship
   • D) Wealth
2. Which literary device is used to represent Marjane’s memories of her childhood?
   • A) Hyperbole
   • B) Allegory
   • C) Flashback
   • D) Personification
3. What does Uncle Anouche’s bread swan symbolize?
   • A) Power
   • B) Fear
   • C) Hope
   • D) Love