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Change In Marjane Satrapi's Persepolis

1034 Words5 Pages

Change is one of the only elements in life that will forever remain constant and gradual, yet utterly spontaneous. A time in one’s life that change is prominent is during childhood: ideas are flourishing, creativity is at its peak, and there is often a feeling of invincibility. Unfortunately, as one begins to grow up, there comes a day when all of this will change. For some, that day comes too soon. The graphic novel Persepolis follows one young girl 's journey through this dramatic change in character and mentality. Marjane Satrapi uses a variety of graphic techniques, specifically on pages 61 and 137, to describe the way that Iran’s oppressive environment has forced Marji’s young, optimistic mind to think in a way that is painfully realistic. Throughout the book, Satrapi’s style of drawing is signature and …show more content…

In each panel, this technique can be recognized and related to a larger theme: the way Marji has changed over time. On page 61, Marji is surrounded by darkness, yet the space around her remains light. Her posture and the camera angle both make it seem as if she is oblivious to the darkness around her, and as though she is not aware of what she is heading into. This emphasises that as a child, Marji is oblivious to the world around her: letting her shed an optimistic light. In the later illustration, graphic weight is used to make a different point. Marji is still surrounded by white, but in a way that makes her appear as small, lonely and isolated. Her body language shows fear, as her shoulders are hunched over, and the camera angle makes it look like she is looking downwards. The trees are black and uniform, towering over her. The similarities between the two images allow the contrast pieces to be highlighted, showing the transformation between a brave and hopeful Marji to a fearful new young

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