Argumentative Essay: Persepolis

Karen Delgado, #27

11-7-13

Block 3

Argumentative Essay

                In Persepolis, by Marjane Satrapi, you get an inside look on what it's really like to live/ grow up in Iran. Persepolis follows a young girl named Marji (who is based on the author) throughout her life to give the reader a better understanding of the country. Marji faces many life changing experiences that effect her in many ways. In a letter from CEO, Johan Bennett, we become aware that he has decided to ban the graphic novel Persepolis for its "crass language, graphic violence, sexual content, lewd humor, an instance of suicide, and other images that are not appropriate." Along with the rude idea the CEO has on the book he failed to mention the pros about it such as a better understanding on a foreign country, and more appreciation for our country.

                Although Mr. Bennett did pick up on a lot of what the book is, he paid no attention to the good things like fighting for justice and freedom you deserve. Marji and her parents fight for justice along with many other people. By creating a group that large they were able to gain enough power to over throw the Shah. With being shown a lot of justice being made we also get to see a lot of injustice. for example, in the chapter entitled "the Letter," the maid does not fight for what she wants and ultimately ends up heartbroken.

                Persepolis also shows/ explains to us how violence is never the answer nor is it acceptable. Marjane Satrapi gives us a better understanding of "violence never solves anything," and "violence is never the answer." She does so by demonstrating so much of it. A lot of the violence talked about in Persepolis is graphically shown but to an extent where it helps with the understanding of the story rather than just taking up room on a paper. This proves that Marjane is well aware of the violence but only displays it to an extent.

                Along with many things we've learned from Persepolis we have received a better understanding on a foreign country. While reading this graphic novel you get an inside look on what it's like to live and grown up in Tehran, Iran. While getting an inside look to Marji's life you see many obstacles she faces and how she struggles to overcome them. You get to read about her life and have a graphic understanding of it. Everyone goes through different things even in different countries and although they may seem "simple" and "easy to handle," they can be just as bad.

                Overall, I believe that Persepolis is a magnificent novel. It demonstrates and teaches you many things you normally would not know off the top of your head. While reading it you learn a lot from Marji and her experiences, along with the struggles she faces. Although she is not necessarily the best role model, you do learn a lot from her. Therefore, I disagree with Mr. Johan Bennett's decision to ban the graphic novel, Persepolis, by Marjane Satrapi.