Persepolis Argumentative Essay

Cristal Espindola

November 18, 2013

Mr. Ostini

English 2

Block 2

                                   Persepolis Argumentative Essay   

        Persepolis is a graphic novel by Marjane Satrapi. This novel is about Marjane's life from the ages of 10 to 24. Her childhood takes place in Tehran during the Islamic Revolution, a time where her country was at war.  Johan Bennett, chief executive officer, believes the novel should be banned. Despite this, Persepolis shouldn’t be banned because the reader sees new perspective in a different country, learns valuable lessons, and understands why Marjane is a good role model.  

          One reason Persepolis shouldn’t be banned is because the reader gets to see all the advantages and disadvantages on how life is in a different country. For example, it became obligatory to wear the veil (3.3). This is important because the reader see’s how their freedom was taken away. In 1980, had to dress a certain way and couldn’t express themselves the way they’d like too. (75.1-2). People in Iran wanted freedom, religion, and peace. It’s clear it was very difficult to live in Iran during those times. The reader not only gets to go on a journey with Marjane, but they also get to learn about Islamic culture and history.

          ​Throughout this novel, Marjane learns valuable lessons. Marjane says, “I spent my first night on the street. They were plenty of others...” (237.7). This is important because it’s a downfall in Marjane’s life. She also tried to commit suicide, but failed at it. (273.1-8). She realized it wasn’t for her. She says,"From now on I’m taking myself in hand” (273.8). There are people around the world going through situations like Marjane and by reading this book they'll learn how to overcome them. This novel is perfect for teenagers to read because it has many valuable lessons and it shows that a person shouldn’t take their life for granted.   

​           Johan Bennett states that the novel has graphic violence. It’s true that it has graphic violence; however, teenagers aalready exposed to that. There might be disturbing images, but that’s Iranian history. Those images are what make this book so powerful; the reader sees how life was during the Islamic war. 
Teenagers are also exposed to graphic violence when it comes to taking History class. For example, when high school students have to learn about Hitler and the Holocaust. Therefore, this book shouldn’t be banned because it opens the reader up to new perspectives.

          My final reason Persepolis  novel shouldn't be banned is Marjane is a good role model to teenagers. For example,  Marjane says,"For a revolution to succeed, the entire population must support it"(17.3). Marjane is being a leader and is apart of her community and stands up for what she believes in. Another example is when Marjane gets into university (283.1). Marjane has always put her education first and is always interested in learning new things. One of her teachers tells her,"..Thanks to people like you, I still have hope for the future of Iran"(330.5). Marjane shows teenagers that after downfalls, you can still be successful and rise to the top. Marjane is a strong independent woman. Teenagers are going to be able to relate and connect to this book. They're going to see the similarities and differences from their lives to hers.

          ​In conclusion, Persepolis is a great book to discuss in a   world literature class. This is more than just a book; it’s a journey through cultural and religious times in the life of Iranians in the 1980’s. This book lets the reader see a new perspective of life, it has valuable lessons, and it lets the reader see why Marjane is a 

good role model.  Overall, Persepolis shouldn't be  banned from schools.