Thursday, December 17, 2009
letter to marjane
My name is Daisy Salcido and I’m from Los Angeles and for the past couple of weeks I have read and enjoyed your book. You have a unique and incredible story that I have learned a lot from. Many times as I go through life I look past all the privileges that I receive because I live in the United States and I receive so much then what you got growing up. Persepolis has made me not only learn about a different type of culture but has taught me the important thing in life.
Many times when I read your story it helps me understand that nothing in life is perfect. I feel that as a person I look over many of the problems that go on in life because I have not went through many of the experiences that you have gone through. There was one moment in my life where I have felt that life was not perfect. When the September 11th attacks happened I was just a little girl like you and I didn’t really know what was going on and what was happening. All I knew was that the United States was in chaos mode and I was somewhat scared to even go to school by all of what I was hearing and watching on the television. It was the biggest moment in my life where I actually saw danger in my home country.
Like any person reading your book I ask myself how you survived not only physically but mentally. I know that if I wasn’t able to do many of the things that you weren’t aloud to do I would have killed myself. I don’t know how I could live with being on check by the guardians not being aloud to dress and wear what I wanted. I don’t know how I would live knowing that at any moment in my life that someone can drop a bomb on me and my life would be over.
In conclusion I would just like to say that your book has taught me about life and has showed that I have a blessed life and I am fortunate to live in such a great country. You are not only a writer but you an inspiration not only to women and young girls but to all because you always did what you felt was right and you spoke your mind and stood up for what you believed and that takes a lot knowing that at any moment something can happen to you for standing up and that takes pride.
For dear Marjane Satrapi
Hello!My name is Wendy Lin. I am a student from East Los Angeles College. I have read your book Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood for my English class. I am so glad that my professor has assigned this book for us as a required text since Persepolis is an awesome book which has taught me lots of things. I knew more about Iran history and culture after I read this book. My emotion changes along with Marji’s emotion. When I read the part that Marji was upset because her uncle’s death, I was upset too; when I read the part that Marji was happy because she got the presents which her parents bought her back from Turkey, I was happy too. I always have questions like “if I was Marji,I…”. In addition, as Persepolis is a graphic novel, I can infer many different things from the pictures along the text. It just like the people says, “A picture could tell a thousand words.” I think you have done a really great job on this book.
When I read this book, I found so many similarities between Marji and me such as we both love my family; we both wished we could be an adult in our early age; we both tried to behave like our parents, etc. I missed that period of time very much. I was so pure like Marji. I am so surprised that you could tell your childhood story in this way. I wish I am smart enough to write a graphic novel about my life. I think that would be cool.
As I grew up in China which is a communism country, I have heard many similar stories as Marji’s. For example, in the chapter of “The Wine”, the two guardians’ faith has actually nothing to do with ideology. All they needed were just a few bills and they will forget the whole thing. That is what my grandfather used to tell me all the time too. My grandfather always told me how unfair it was in China when he was young. Money could solve most of the problems and it always benefits to the rich people. So when I read your book, it reminds me a lot about what my grandfather used to tell me. I think I am going to tell my grandfather about your book. I might even try to translate your book to Chinese for my grandfather to read it. On the other hand, I grow up in a peaceful time period, so I have not experienced anything about wars or revolutions. As a result, I gain new understandings of how a person who lives in the war feels.
While I read your book, there are so many questions that pop up my head and I would like to ask you some of them. Why do you have such an idea to write a graphic novel to share your life experience to the other people? What was the biggest difficulty that you had when you wrote/draw this graphic novel? Which chapters of this book do you like best? Why? I apologize first if this is too much for you. However, I would love to know the answers of these questions.
Thank you very much for reading my letter. I appreciate all the hard work that you have done for this book. It is an awesome book and it worth to read more than one time.
Sincerely,
Wendy Lin
Dec-17-2009
Dear Marjane Satrapi,
My name is Melissa Aguayo. I am currently attending ELAC. It was required for both, my classmates and I to read and analyze your book, Persepolis. I must tell you, although this book was a little similar to comic strips, I was able to understand what was really going on in Iran by the panels u drew and wrote. There are many misunderstandings and stereotypes on what the “image” of Iran is. However, it was, really, your book that opened minds for many of us; especially for me. Your way of being brought up under fundamentalists made me compare your life to my own child’s life. I am very much grateful to live in a country where the first amendment of the Constitution is aimed at the freedom of press, religion and expression.
What I loved about your book, is that I was able to pick up many short lines and sentences and bring up a whole new conversation that helped me learn about a woman’s role in the Middle East. I admire you and the way you keep your pride about your country, Iran; how it had to overcome all these obstacles. It is truly inspiring to be a native from your country that had to put up with invasions for so many years and still keep up with the language and culture. “Persepolis” is definitely a book that I can read to my daughter in the future and pass on to friends and family. Also, through out reading the chapters, it was clear that you were brought up with support from both, your parents and grandmother. The communication between you and your family members was very strong. It was surprising to me when your father supported your beliefs, especially when you told the principal off. It was very strong of your parents and especially you to part ways in the airport. I do believe it was a very tough situation when you had to move to Austria. However, I didn’t really catch along well on why you had moved so much! Why were you from home to home? Why couldn’t your parents move with you? Overall, I think that you being outspoken, standing up for yourself, and have taken risks was the most inspirational in, “Persepolis”.
Again, “Persepolis” is definitely a great graphic novel with many descriptive illustrations. I was able to infer many images and make some predictions. Also, your novel pointed to me a realistic view on what’s going on across the globe. I am thankful for you being able to share your knowledge and experiences, especially to westerners, because we have an idea of Iran being very evil and “out of this planet“. Before, I had started reading your novel, I didn’t have much interest, but now I love it!
It's All About You
Dear Marjane Starpi,
I had recently finished reading your book, Persepolis. I had no Idea that I would it enjoy as much as I do. It makes me recall my childhood of how simple things were for me. Well it wasn’t exactly simple but I didn’t have to grow up during a revolution. From the first few chapters I sometime forgot that you were only ten years old. You seemed so mature for your age, or maybe more prepared.
From the pictures you drew to the words you said you had me captivated. I felt your ups and downs, I related to your emotions. Your confidence and strength is something I really admire and how with each chapter you became better.
We share some similarities an example is your relationship with your family. I too am very close to my family. Especially how wanted to become a prophet to help your Grandmother be relieved from pain. I used to take my Grandmother to see her doctor I hated how when we left he always told her there was another thing wrong with her, it always broke my heart. But I didn’t think I was special enough to become a prophet but maybe smart enough to become a doctor. I have great parents that support me too, although they might not always agree with me they still stand by me.
Faith and religion plays a big part in my life too, I have an uncle who is a priest, I used to think that he was my connection to God. But I never realized that I could be ignored. Like you during hard time I turned my cheek on my faith, although it would return I didn’t completely welcome it. In fact I still fight it. Do you feel the same way? Did you lose faith when your uncle died?
Like I had mentioned earlier I didn’t have such a hard life when I was younger my parents made decent money so we didn’t really struggle. I always had nice things I couldn’t complain. But friends would tell me I was spoiled or that things were too easy for me. While they were getting the short end of the stick I was out and about having all sorts of fun with no worries in the world. So when I read the chapter “the key” I felt my stomach turn. I almost wanted to hate myself, there is people all around the world that are struggling to live and here I was barely caring about what I was doing. I felt disgusted but I knew that did know any better when I was younger. Now that I have come reached the adult age I understand the large concepts in life. And how I can be both humane and selfish, there are situations that have helped me get to this point.
Those are our similarities but as for our differences there are also a few. The environment of where we grew up really affects how we become adults? You were in a revolution and I was growing up having to learn a new culture. I didn’t have to grow up with fear I was free to do as I liked without hurting anyone including myself. I was able to read books from all over the world, you had your opportunity taken away and revised.
We grew up in different worlds I would like to ask, if you regret growing up there? If so where would you have liked to go?
Sincerely,
Christy
Hi! It’s me, Mayra. I am writing to you once again and I want to take some time telling you about a book I had to read in my English 57. It’s called “Persepolis”, and it is written by Marjane Satrapi the book looks like a comic book, but it isn’t. It’s a graphic memoir. There is another part to this book and that book is called “Persepolis 2” and this one is also by Marjane Satrapi. I am really looking forward to reading the second part. Any ways let’s get back into topic and let me begin and tell you about “Persepolis”, it takes place in Iran in the city of Tehran. Marjane is the main character and she is only 10 years old. She lives with her parents and her maid. Apparently and unfortunately Marjane experienced the Iranian revolution with all of her family and friends. Marjane is a liberal person; she also thought that she could be the next prophet because she speaks to god. In the beginning of the story she tries to go to demonstrations the Iranian people had. Her parents never allowed her go because she was too young and besides all that she could of gotten hurt like a lot of people do when they attend the demonstrations. Marjane did go to one of the demonstrations and it was one of the worse demonstrations there were because so many people were killed and there was a rumor saying that the Iranians were killing their own people. Marjane starts changing and thinking more differently, she has seen so much violence and torture going on in her life she starts thinking that it is okay. So when she starts playing games with her friends and one of her friends loses to a game there is consequences. Guess what the consequences are Assieh. There torture! Marjane had been influenced by all the commotion going on throughout her life as a young little girl. Women and girls are also forced to wear veils and if they didn’t wear the veils some women would even get raped because it was said that hair would provoke sexual intercourse with women.
I would say that some of my life here in Los Angeles is somewhat the same. Women are getting raped everywhere and the age does not matter. I would also say that some women like to be looked at and be felt by a man. Women and even girls start wearing super short skirts and tight shirts that show a lot of cleavage to get a man’s attention but I don’t think that the Iranian women had that intention like some crazy women here. Another thing that is similar here as to over there is how a lot of people get influenced by almost everything, my sister and law has 3 brothers and 2 of them are from the marines and they have been influenced by their father to go to the marines. I believe war has their dad going crazy and all the shooting and the camp that they have to attend. I also have a nephew and he is 8 years old and he already wants to go to the marines when he gets older, it saddens me a lot because he doesn’t know what it is to be a marine and all the lies that are being told to him is heart breaking. My sister in laws siblings have brainwashed my own nephew into going into the marines.
Reading this book really changed the way I think and how I see things. I really admire Marjane Satrapi for being strong and not letting the revolution get to her because going through that is very tough and as I said before it can influence people do change and it can also provoke people to do horrible things in life. I really recommend you read this book Assieh and show it to all your peers over there in Iran and tell me what you think and what they thought and I hope to hear from you soon
Sincerely, Mayra Guzman
English 57
December 17, 2009
Hello Ms. Satrapri,
I’m writing this letter to let you know, I really enjoyed reading Persepolis. I found
the novel to be really motivating and inspiring. I really liked how you showed and told the
readers the story of your childhood. I also liked how you showed your
independence at such a young, how you believed in standing up for your rights and
protesting against the Islamic religious war. Although at first it was bit hard for me to
relate to your childhood since I didn’t grew up in a third world country, nor I was forced
to wear a veil and was not separated from my friends at school. As you see at first it was
bit hard for me to relate to your story. But as I kept reading and learning about your life
and the different things you had to go through at such a young age, I then realized I did
have a connection with you. I too admire my mother and see her as a role model. Just like
your mom, my mother also encourages me to be a better person. She does this by asking
me to get educated, independent and to always try my best at whatever I do!
I also found another similarity with you, I too was forced to grow up fast. It
wasn’t by choice, it was by life. I lost my father when I was 13 years old. He was my
hero, my friend, and my dad. When I lost him I too was mad at the world. I couldn’t
understand why God had taken him away from me, and I was angry. I had to become
strong and be supportive to my sister. But then I realize everything happens for a reason.
I would like to ask you a couple of questions. What does Persepolis means to you?
What part of writing Persepolis did you enjoyed the best? Also I know you, mention in
Persepolis that you liked reading Dialectic Materialism by Karl Marx, and Descartes by
Rene Descartes. Are these still your favorite authors/philosophers? If not, who is now
your favorite author? If you don’t have any, which books do you now enjoy reading? And
last, do you consider yourself as a role model? If not, you not you should. I think you
should take in consideration, because I find your novel to really motivating and inspiring.
I also think a lot of young girls, would be able to relate to your childhood. Just like I did.
Girls would be able to become motivated to be better persons, to be educated,
independent and to always stand up for what they belief in!
Reading response #3
My name is Julian Valencia, a free thinker that resides in the United States of America. Ever since the tragedy of nine-eleven occurred, the media where I live has always portrayed the Middle East in a negative way. Even though citizens of the United States have been force fed one-sided views of countries such as the one of your home land through the media, I always have believed that there are two sides of a coin and have been interested in learning about cultures of the middle east in order to break down the walls of stereotypes, but never had the time to do so. This is why I am so glad to have taken the English 57 class I am currently attending East Los Angeles College because of the book you have written; Persepolis was a requirement to read in the class. I will admit that when I first bought the book that I had no idea of what it was about or even what the title meant. It really did not even appeal to me at all and when I opened it I took it as a joke because it looked like the inside of a comic book or even a comic strip from a local newspaper. I did not even read it the first two day of class until the class instructor explained to us what Persepolisis was with another book with pictures of the ancient city. When I finally understood of what your book was about I sat myself down and read the first two chapters and from that point on I was hooked. I have read almost every word and have looked over most of the illustrations because I have notice that there is always a little more to the pictures in your book than meets the eye. Finally my thirst of knowledge for things I didn’t understand has somewhat been quenched.
I really admire how innocent you where at the age of ten and how tenacious you were with the things you wanted but at the same time my childhood peculiarly relates to yours a lot. I was allowed to believe in what I wanted to and was corrected if truly needed. As you went to go beat up Ramin without second thought, I beat up a kid at school when I was in 5th grade for making fun of my little brother who was still had three months till he was due to be born. Also we were both well off since birth and had maids. Also as growing up I became quite the rebel toward family and society. I always thought myself to be right al the time and still kind of do. As teens we both got into the same kind of music. I love, classic rock to punk to metal. I am actually listening to Iron Maiden’s Two Minuets to Mid-Night song as I am writing this and I am actually currently a metal head. I have also almost been kicked out of high school many times for being too liberal and rebellious. Also I start smoking cigarettes because I was mad at my mother too.
Besides all that I have written in this essay, I wanted to thank you for writing this book. It has answered many questions that I have always wondered about and I have enjoyed reading about your past. I do not even like to read very much so believe me that what I say means a lot. I loved how political your book was and how well it was always written in perspective of how old you were in the book at all times. I have only read Persepolis vol. 1 so far and I cannot wait to read the next volume. Also I really never understood why you spoke French. Does Iran not have a native language? I really hope that one day we can have a conversation face to face. I have so many questions to ask you.
Sincerely your friend
Julian Valencia
My name is Chelsea Uzueta and I am currently attending East Los Angeles College. I am taking an English class where we fortunately got to read your book Persepolis as a required text. I never heard of a graphic novel. As a matter of fact when our teacher showed us this book I thought it was going to be totally boring and a really easy book to read. But as I got in to the story I realized there is so much more then what the words are saying. The graphics make it come to live so much, im guessing that’s what you get from a graphic novel. =) I have to say you really opened my eyes about many issues I thought I already knew so much about. In actuality I didn’t really know anything. I guess when you hear about wars like this you don’t think so much about the people but mostly about the ones that are doing the fighting.
I loved so much about this book. One of my favorite things is how you made your audience feel like they were right there with you. I felt as if I was your friend walking with you every step of the way. I felt your ambition to fight for what u believe in, I felt the love and respect for your mother, and I felt the sadness of your Uncle Anoosh’s death. Maybe I felt like this because I see a lot of my self in you. I am a very politically active person and love to stand for what I believe in. I remember this one time I wanted to go to a demonstration and my mother wouldn’t let me. Well I was reading the chapter The Letter I can totally hear my mom telling me I couldn’t go to the demonstration just like your mom told you. I listened to my mom and didn’t go but a big part of me was wishing that I hadn’t listened to her just like you didn’t listen to yours. I know it’s not a good thing to not listen to your parents but you stood for what I believed in and went. It’s a scary thing isn’t it, those demonstrations? They can get really crazy. How did you feel when you were there? Didn’t it feel like such an empowering moment? Like you are changing something? I know when I go that’s how I feel. I just live for that feeling of making the world a better place and having a sense of equality for all.
You seem to take after your mom a lot or maybe that’s just what I think? I loved how your mom stood up for her self and didn’t let anyone shut her up. My mom is just the same. You don’t want to get her started. She is one of the strongest people I know. I can not ever see my self leaving somewhere to live with out her. You were really strong when you left to live with her friend. I know that must have been super hard for both you and your mom. To me you just seem like a very strong woman; a good role model for so many people. You dealt with so much death in your life but you seemed to always keep your self together. When your Uncle Anoosh passed I know it must have really done some damage to your heart, but again you held it together! Isn’t it hard being so strong all the time? I recently had to deal with a sudden death in the family. It’s so weird how one moment they are right there with you and in a blink of an eye taken away from you. I do see a lot of me in you but when it comes to things like this I guess I can’t find that strength that you have. I so badly want to just think about it as he is in a better place but I don’t see any place better then being with your family. I guess he is with my family in heaven. Did you ever thing about it in such a way? I’m sorry for bringing him up I know it must be a hard subject. I just feel at this moment what you might have felt then.
I look up to you for so many different reasons. You had anything but a normal life but you turned it all around and made something great out of it. You managed to make your life a tell-all to people like me that don’t really know anything at all about Iran. You opened our eyes and made us see the truth behind it all. I want to take the time now to thank you for that. If it wasn’t for this English class and a great writer like your self I would have never knew any of these things. Thank you for taking the time to read this and thank you for a great novel.
Yours Respectfully,
Chelsea Uzueta
P.S
I think you would have made an awesome prophet! =)
Reading Response #3
ZhengZhong Zhu
English 57
Dear Marjane Satrapi
Hello, my name is Zheng. I was impressed by your novel “Persepolis”. I have no idea that a true story can be told like this. Anyway, you have written this fantastic graphic novel, and most people were fascinated by it. But personally, I really don’t like reading books or reading novels, but your unique graphic novels made it more interesting to tell. Therefore, when I finished reading your book, I realized that I really willed myself to finish reading a book once of my lifetime. As some saying that a picture worth a thousand words, there’s no doubt that your graphics in the novel were worth beyond words. Your novel intrigued people to ponder while reading your book and that make people to use their critical thinking skills. Moreover, since that your novel is a graphic novel, it always seems to be that a graphic novel or comics can be understood very easily, but your graphic novel was beyond the level of all graphic novel or comics book that I ever read. Most of the people would just read along with the explicit side of your story, but the implicit side of your story can never be as simple to understand, by figuring out the implicit side of your story, the answers that I figured always remained indefinite. Your graphic novel seems very simple but yet complicated in some certain way. Thus, I think that “Persepolis” is the most sophisticated book I ever read.
As a little girl growing in Tehran during the revolution time, it is very interesting to see how a little girl could interact within the society of the unkind times. First off, you explained about the veils, and it was enforced by the Islamic revolution. With that very moment of reading, I finally understand why all the women that in Iran has to wear the veils, even until this present day. Within your illustration in the book, I’ve comprehended your childhood was under the regime of shah, and then fundamentalism; also the war between revolution and Iraq. All these experience that you had in your childhood was very adventurous. For that, I consider myself to be very lucky to live in a peaceful nation under a peaceful time. Although we lived under a different period of time, but I think that we both have a thing in common. You liked Michael Jackson and so did I. Unfortunately, I’m sorry to tell you that he died of heart attack in the age of 50. In spite of that, I wanted to tell you were a brave and strong girl during the revolution and the war.
In addition, I want to ask you a few questions that stuck in my head. What would you do if your parents died from the missiles back in the chapter of “The Shabbat”? If that really happened, would you make yourself to become a soldier and pay your vengeance? If you had the options to die as a martyr or a hero, which one would you prefer? There are so much more questions that I want to ask you, but I couldn’t just list it all out. However, my last question would be would you stay with your parents in Tehran despite of all cost? You have illustrated so much of your childhood in the novel, and most important of all, you’ve shown me the aspect of humanity. Therefore, I really appreciate your work. Thank you.
Sincerely yours
Zheng
Reading Response 3#
I enjoyed reading your novel “Persepolis” in my English class. I never imagined that I could gain so much knowledge in your book although it is written for children. Obviously, the most difficult for me, a foreign reader, to understand was extremely different culture, religion, as well as history, especially for a mystery nation. Before reading “Persepolis”, the deeply impression with Iran in my mind was, as you mentioned in the introduction of “Persepolis”, terrorism based on reports and photos come from western media. I believe this opinion is widely held by the majority people lived in other country because of lacking basic reliable information. I knew this was the reason why you wrote this book. You really opened my eyes to what actually happened in Iran during the war. I learned about your culture, religion and your childhood history in Iran. I did not know a lot of stuff about Iran until I finished reading your book. Meantime, I recognized that there were both similarities and differences between my life and the lives described in “Persepolis”.
The similarities I noticed between Iranian lives and my life were that social class and gender inequalities. Nevertheless, the situation in Iran was more intensive. In your book I saw that the lower social class people always lived at the bottom of the society. For example: Mehri was part of a lower social class and therefore did not have the same rights as higher or middle social class. She was not treated fairly since Marji’s father prevented her love, explaining to her that “their love would never work.” You clearly indicated that in Iran people had to stay in their own social class. The same thing happened in my brother’s life. My aunt firmly opposed to accepting his lover who comes from poor family lived in the countryside otherwise she would break mother-child relationship. The reason why my aunt disapproved her son’s true lover because she wanted him to marry a girl comes from high social class, which will benefit their family business. Actually, there are many obvious evidences to prove that inequality affects our lives from the type of education or health care an individual receive to the type of job a person will has, whom he /she will marry, and how many children they have.
Moreover, by reading your book, I realized that women had the lower social status and they had no voice in Iran society. After revolution, laws were enacted to restrict the role of women in public life. Women were treated as the private property for men. They were forced to wear veils that covered their entire body when in public. Veil reflects power imbalances in society and it is a symbol of gender inequality. Compared with that in Iran, gender inequality in my country may be indirect and unconspicuous, but it still exists. I once experienced gender discrimination in workplace when applying for a job. I was asked in a job interview whether I plan to marry and have children. Obviously, it is inevitable situation for many young applicants. Gender inequality can be seen in every area of social life from the workplace to school to family. Our society, even though women’s statue has remarkable improved than in the past, is a largely male dominated field with men having power over women.
The differences between your childhood and mine are mostly based on region and regime. There is no doubt that I have not experienced something described in book “Persepolis”. After Islamic revolution, Iran becomes strict Islamic religious fundamentalism. In Iran there are a lot of requirements to live by. In fact there were various scenes from Persepolis that caught my attention. A scene that touched my heart was when your mother was crying in your father’ arms because some guys had threatened her to rape her in the street or thrown to garbage for not wearing the veil. There’s more freedom and equalities here than in Iran, everyone does whatever they want as long as it is legal. I was really impressed with your life story because my life is very different from yours. In your country, there is no way to avoid seeing violence, seeing your country being bombed, knowing how prisoners were tortured and suffering from the pain that your loved people murdered. When I read about these scenes, I felt so sad and upset, but I was also impressed by your sense of humor, courage and optimism.
You’re a very talented writer and I believe that the message you were trying to send to the West has been successfully received. Your book draws widely public attention and many audiences change their mind. “Persepolis” really reveals that you care about your culture and where you are from. I strongly recommend “Persepolis” to anyone who wants to know more about Iran. I deeply desire that people in the increasing number read your book, which is good way to approach to realistic society in Iran.
Sincerely,
Ying Zou
LETTER TO MARJANE SATRAPI
EHGLISH 057
Reading Response #3
Dear Marjane satrapi
My name is xu,yong when I stared reading you write this
I think because of this,your childhood experiences,compared with our present life,you experienced a lot if challenges and dangerous which is an important stage in the growth of life that is then the difficult social enviroment and the turbulence years your personality and you attitude of social ,but still worthy of learning,I think if you were me,then,in the kind of social enviroment , Iwould really with the development of this societly to grow not there are so many naive ,but helapness to accept this country has brought me everything I apperciate you kind for life,optimism and positive spirit in such a difficult enviroment ,you still have not been the melting of this societly,you still are looking for really belongs to the direction of your life when childhood that you are understand of life,and what os happening around you for the reality that we are a very good help and education in this book you painting out of your watching Iran happend before only a few years time will allow you ti grow from a little girl to a life aborad can be thire own people,your childhood experience have a special,I think if you choose ,you will not come ti Europe,leaving their parents the state even though the country with a lot of problems but you left with dismay ,you still miss you country this is for every one living aborad some people will feel,I also leave parents living in the U.S I think you better than I do is great,because when you are very young you have the kind of courage to challenge you future life,perhaps for you is also a turning point in life ,I have not read the second of the book ,I think where you would tell us ,describe your life in Europe and you back to the what happened to Iran ,which I do not know but from you childhood experiences,I think you have later on,life will be very exciting there will be a lot to me think about the problem,because your personality and experience of will be destined for you life and too many people are different and read you book for me is a good inspiration
After reading this book I also began to look for other information to learn more about the background of your country at that time and asked me to a deeper understand that the Arab countries living conditions ,different culture and religions,the formation os a different human living enviroment ,too many problems for people who are noe living in the U .S is not conceiable and noe is still the case we do not discuss political issues and concerns but would like to say as the years came to you is such a big sum of life wealth ,looking forward ,to see the second part of this book!!!!
XU,YONG
Reading Response #3
Dear Marjane Satrapi
Your book was selected by our teacher as a topic center of our English57 class. It was the first time I came across with such nice and well-designed graphic novel. Your memoirs were very interesting especially the way you show to the reader your life in Iran. It was very pleasant to read. You bring up so many details about your personal experience that catch the interest and the attention of any person around the world whether young or adult.
I found interesting your strong desire of knowing about political issues, which it is mention in the first chapter. At 10 years old any other girl would be much more interested in playing with dolls rather than reading about Communism. Do you think that your childhood was stolen? I felt identified about what you wrote in the chapter "The Jewels", when the two ladies fight over who got the product first. Similar situations I witnessed during the 90's in my country. Peru suffered an extremely hard economic depression plus hyperinflation due to the bad political managements. Everybody struggled to make ends meet, empty supermarkets, lack of work, and many people had to leave the country. Now, even though we still have problems, we are in better conditions. In the chapter "Kim Wilde" your parents were vey courageous, but at the same time reckless. Were you aware of the dangerous situation your parents would face in the airport on their way back from Istanbul? Or it was more important your desire to get fashion items.
Your life is full of personal experiences and anecdotes. Many of them are sad events caused by the tough laws imposed by the government. All this has enriched your life,and at some moment you had the need to express it. Writing down your life story is an example to many people that everybody is equal, whether men or women, and deserved to be treated as human beings with respect and dignity. Did you write your novel thinking about Feminism and how women struggle for equality in Iran? Now after all what you have lived and experienced. What do you think about Communism?
It was a pleasure to have read your book.
My Best Regards
Ivan.
English 057
Reading response #3
December 16, 2009
Dear Marjane Satrapi,
My name is Irvind Garcia and I finished reading your book Persepolis for my English class in the East Los Angeles College. The purpose of me writing this letter to you is to tell you how your book has affected my life not only emotionally but also has changed the way I see life. Before your book I had never read a graphic novel and wasn’t very interested in them and when I got Persepolis I thought it would be bad, little did I know that this book would change my life very positively. Through your book I felt myself in your position like I was part of your struggle and the war. I liked the fact that these events were real you talked about things that you went through in your life and I admire you for being so courageous. I never knew about such war in Iran as a matter of fact I was completely ignorant to customs and the culture of Iran .
It amazed me to see how intelligent you were at such a young age and I liked the fact that no matter how mature you act your innocence always showed. Through your novel I was able to embark on a new journey to a different part of the world to something I have never seen before or been through. Your experience with your uncle Anoosh made me cry because I have a uncle who I am very close to he is like my second father and felt your pain as if it was mine. I never though that a little girl could be so strong and brave in your position I would have given up hope right away I admire the way you always looked positively on life. I wonder if I will ever find myself in the situation you were in but I am thankful I have never been through such hardships because I wouldn’t be as strong as you were.
Your book reminded me of my favorite book Night by Ellie Wiesel it is about a young Jewish boy who also tells his story about the hardships and struggles he went through on the holocaust. One thing I also liked about you is your taste in music like you I am a big Iron Maiden fan! I didn’t know they were famous in Iran as well that shows how much my ignorance was towards your country. One thing that I wondered about was the restaurant “Kansas” do you know if it was based on the band named Kansas? Is it why it survived when all other places didn’t?
Marjane I would really like to thank you for writing this graphic novel not only did I get information on another country but also it made change my perspective on life. Your book changed my life,. every time I read one of your chapters I felt a deep bond with my family I wanted to hug my parents really badly. I know that many times there are people who don’t really have much yet they live their life to the fullest but there’s others who have a lot and complain because they want more thanks to you I have learned to value what I have and live my life to the fullest no matter the hardships and the struggles thank you.
Best Regards,
Irvind Garcia
First I would like to start off by saying thanks for opening my eyes, and letting me into your world. You have taught me a lot with your life. I have learned about a different country, a different religion, whole different prospected, thanks for taking the time to write about your life. Because if it wasn’t for your book, I would never been able to learn about your people and see it from your eyes. Because to be honest in my country you guys are practically the enemy, I have been told that you guys hate us. So when you hear such negative feedback it just comes natural to dislike, just a defense mechanism. And because of that, it just shows how ignorant we are to judge so fast, and we ignore the fact that we have so many similarities as human beans.
I honestly feel that there might be a reason why you had to go through such a scary lifestyle. And maybe that reason was so you can teach people like me that had no clue, that people were still being treated so badly. Maybe you were put on this earth as a voice for your people. And you should be very proud.
I noticed we have so many similarities. We both like to speak our minds. We both love music. And I noticed that are families are ranked in certain social classes. The only difference is that your family is more of a higher ranked class. But at least we both notice that social class can really affect our life styles. We also both left home at a young age. But the only difference is it was to help your ability to learn, but I was forced to leave. Even thou we can look and dress different. Or even live in two complete sides of the world, we still have gone through similar situations in our life’s. And that’s what will help me in the future, if I ever judge again. Which I won’t!
Some of the things in your life, I am not able to compare at all. I mean I was born and raised in L.A. which is a considered, a dangerous city. But it does not compare to where you have been raised at. You have been in way worst situations, situations that have actually put your life on the line. And that must have been scary. How were you still able to live day by day, knowing that at any moment a bomb could of easily hit your home? And that you and your family would be killed instantly? Wasn’t that scary? I don’t know how I would be able to take it, or even be able to sit still, or even eat.
So even thou you have gone through a bumpy ride in life, you still put education first, and I really look up to that. Even thou your situation was so hard to be able to focus with school, you were still able to do it. And that shows that nobody should have an excuse to not succeed. “Live like you’re going to die tomorrow and learn like you’re going to live forever” (Tony Sandoval). I see you in this quote, because you were able to climb through a very difficult obstacle in your life and you were still able to overcome it. And put education first in your life. Even thou your life was threatened every day you still moved up and you could have easily taken the easy way out, and that was to be nothing. But you didn’t, and that shows how strong you are as a person.
Sincerely, Andrea
Reading Response #3
English 057
Reading Response #3
December 17, 2009
Dear Marjane Satrapi,
It’s rare to find a child that is as well informed as you were during the war. You knew and even understood difficult situations that even adults’ way older than you had a hard time comprehending during the war. I liked the fact you always spoke your mind and never gave up hope. It’s funny how people in the United States seem to believe they have it bad just because they don’t get what they want or can’t seem to catch a break. While you grew up during a war and saw death everywhere you went. You grew up during a time of fear, but you did not let that ever bring you down. I am thankful that I live in the United States where I’m able to do as I please and wear what I want when I want. Where I’m able to have an education if I want. Where in Iran it’s the complete opposite. Growing up a woman in Iran is difficult, and through your graphic novel “Persepolis” I’m able to see that. You’re novel made me realize that life here is a piece of cake compared to growing up in Iran as a woman and for that I thank God that I was able to grow up in a nation where I have a voice and can make my own choices and I’m never hidden.
I cannot wait to read “Persepolis 2”. I’m really looking forward to reading about your life in Vienna and what you went through being away from your parents. I would like to ask why you chose to write your autobiography as a graphic novel? Why not write a more detailed five hundred page autobiography like most people do. Do you really believe that a picture is worth a thousand words? Also, if you had a choice would you pick the life you had? As in live through the war and in Iran, or would you choose a different life?
Lastly, I want to thank you once more for sharing your story not only with me but with the whole world. I want to thank you for informing me and reminding me not to judge a book by its cover and to always inform myself on anything that has to do with me. Thank you Marjane.
Jennifer Leal
Persepolis
I have just finished reading your book, Persepolis, in my English class at East Los Angeles College. One word I would use to describe the book would be, enjoyable. The illustrations in the book were outstanding! I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “pictures can say a thousand words”, so my class and I would study each illustration very closely. For example, in a panel on page 43, your dad states, “let’s talk about something else. Let’s enjoy our new freedom!” Your mom also agrees when she says “now that the devil has left!” In that panel, the devil is still there with his claw right next to your mother. With this illustration, my class and I were able to conclude that the evil had just begun. Some of the illustrations were just hilarious, especially the ones where you were at a young age. The illustrations were a huge help in making this book easier and more amusing to read.
After reading your book I’ve noticed that our lives are completely different. For one thing, the girls here in the United States don’t have to wear a veil. Just like you, I also preyed but I wouldn’t say I talked to God like the way you did. No offense, but I found you wanting to be the last prophet quite silly. You were also a rebel while when I was in school, I always did what I was told to do, even if I didn’t like it. Maybe I would have done the same thing as you if I were in your position. While you were in school I also noticed that you got into peer pressure when asked to ditch school. I’ve ditched class too but it was because I wanted to, not because someone forced me to do it or to make me look cool. I also found out you smoked a cigarette at a young age while I’m drug free. One major thing that makes us different is you were in a big hurry to grow up while I wasn’t. I tried to act as a kid a long as I could because I knew that the life of an adult would be much harder.
After reading the book Persepolis, I was left with a few questions, questions that I wish I could know the answers to. As a child you talked to God a lot, my first question is “did you really talk to God or was he an imaginary friend, if yes, did he ever try to talk to you again after you got mad at him?” My second question comes from the beginning of the chapter, the trip, on page 72, “why did you call the Americans dummies?” To me that sounded a bit egocentric. My third and final question comes from the chapter, the wine, on page 107, “what did you do with the new born baby after the mother ran away?” Did you try to look for the mother outside? These questions are the ones that I would like answered and could help me understand the book a bit more.
I had many laughs throughout your book, and to me, that’s rare. It’s hard for me to find a book that will make me laugh but Persepolis was not the case. Persepolis was a book that kept me wanting to read more and more each day. Before I knew it, I had finished reading the book and was left wanting to read more. I will definitely be reading Persepolis 2.
Sincerely,
Louie Rodriguez
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Persepolis
My name is Rocio Martinez, AKA Rosie. First and for most I would like to congratulate you on your novel Persepolis. I was assign to read your novel, by my English teacher. Since the first day I started to read your novel I could not put it down and I even got my eleven year old child hook on it. I love the way you describe every moment you lived. It made me feel like if I was by your side every minute of it. You explain things so clearly that the perceptions I had of the people from your country are gone. I know it is wrong to stereo type, but I was not as informed as I am now. Reading your novel made me understand a lot of things. To be honest with you, I was afraid every time I was near anyone that had features like the men and women of your country. I was once in an amusement park and a lady with a veil knelled in the restroom and started to pray and this was not long from the nine eleven event. The first thing that went through my mind was that she was up to no good and the fear beat me, I had to leave the restroom. I spoke to my family, trying to convince them for us to leave the park. At that point, my daughter explain some of the culture to help calm me down. Now that I have read your novel, I feel so bad for judging the lady. Knowing everything you and your people went through has made me realize the enormous mistake I was making. Now I come to realize that not only I have judge you and your people wrong but have notice that a lot of us judge you guys with out having our facts straight. Going back to your novel I think you were and are very brave. The things you went through as a child are not easy for a child to understand and you did a great job in surviving this and getting to tell it. I loved how you describe yourself as a child. I identify my self with you in many aspects, even though I have never been in a war or with a government trying to impose things on me. I love to speak my mind out and fight for my rights as a human being and a woman. You and your family went through so many battles and were able to win them. The lost of your uncle Anoosh was a very hard time for you. You even lost fight in God and kicked him out of your room. It is very hard for an adult to get over the death of someone so especial, so I could only imagine how hard it was for you to have lost your uncle. When I read The Key it made me see that you were smarter than you thought you were. You were so curious to find out if your cousin Peyman was also given the key to heaven, that when he called to invite you to his party you questioned him. Did you at this point question why some boys were given the key and others were not? Now I realize that not only your country used this unscrupulous tactics to have low income kids lour into the forces. We see this from many countries in the everyday live. Unfortunately many kids still believe in their lies. You know Ms. Satrapi, in the chapter The Party, I thought your idea of chasing Ramin with nails in between your fingers was very crazy and at the same time it me laugh a lot. You did all this just to teach him a lesson for what his dad believed in, with out realizing he had nothing to do with the way his dad thought. When I read this chapter I was wondering if you at the time realize how much harm you could have cause Ramin. If not, did you think about it after your mom asked you how you would like to be nailed from your ears? The things you describe are so vivid, that I could feel the pain in your heart and sole. I don't know how after seeing all the things you did, you still have the courage to tell it. I want to command you for being such a great woman and for wanting to teach others some of the history of your country and people. I won't take anymore of your time, it's been a pleasure reading your novel and I'm honored to say I have enjoyed it and learn a lot from it. I assure you I will be getting you second book. you have left a curiosity in me to learn more about you and your country. Thank you for giving me a little more knowledge.
Sincerely,
Rosie
Dear Marjane Satrapi,
I am a college student currently taking an English class in which your book Persepolis was required for this class. We had to read the book and write journals about our feelings towards every chapter we read. It was a bit unclear at the beginning why the little girls had to wear veils and it bothered me how such things were forced on the youth when all children want to do is have fun. I thought that the people who wore the veils were a part of their religion, but as I read this book, I come to realize that at first, these veils were forced upon them. At some points I would feel sad, frustrated and angry but also very proud of little Marji. For example, on the chapter “The Heroes”, as I read along I visualized the torture people in Tehran during the 1980’s went through because they opposed the government and its regulations. Another chapter was “The Sheep” in which I felt really sad and almost felt like crying because of how one of Marji’s most beloved family members was executed which caused Marji to leave her faith in God by kicking him out of her life. It made me think of how it affects children in a drastic way living under an oppressive regime. I can relate to this because even though we’re not going through the same problems, there are parts in our lives were we feel just like Marji. I feel angry when things go wrong in which I start questioning God because, just like Marji, I communicate with God. When I have a problem, I start blaming God but since this was during my younger days, I didn’t know much about my faith and my religion so it was easy for me to question God and think twice about what I believe in. Going back to the chapters, there is another chapter in which I felt proud of Marji. The chapter “The Key”, I noticed how smart Marji was and how her knowledge makes her life easier to understand. I thought it was smart of Marji to play around as a martyr because that caused for a parent meeting in which Marji’s father attacked the teacher back by saying “if hair is as stimulating as you say, then you need to shave your mustache!” (98). The remark Marji’s father made, other than being quite hilarious, was an example to have the teacher realize that children are children and they play around because that’s what they do and that the rules imposed to the people are ridiculous. This book really made me realize that things can get worse. By reading and learning about other cultures and lifestyles, I learn that I should appreciate life and be proud of my country because we, as residents of the United States, are fortunate compared to other countries. Even though we don’t live under the same government Marji had, we still have problems that somehow relate to us based on our struggles in our daily lives. I am pleased to say that this book has made me think about life and how we all go through different problems and how culture is diverse. Persepolis gave me a clear understanding of life in Tehran and the Persian life during the 1980’s in which shows how truly proud you are of your country. Because of this book being a graphic novel, it helped me picture the events better since pictures speak more than words and it also captivated my attention in which makes me eager to read the next novel! I will most definitely recommend this book to anyone who needs to learn more about life in Tehran in the earlier days.