Symbolism In Persepolis

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In the graphic novel ‘Persepolis’ by Marjane Satrapi, symbolism is used frequently by the author to deliver an understanding of the text that is unobtainable through the solo use of words. The use of symbolism by Satrapi provides readers with an insight into the protagonist’s, Marji’s, thoughts and emotions. This insight is vital for the development of the audience's understanding of the overall text. This developed understanding creates more to sympathize with allowing readers to connect with the protagonist. Symbols in literature are used to express an emotion or thought without stating it directly, this allows for a more meaningful understanding of the emotion to be developed by the readers. Satrapi uses the symbolism of a bird, western …show more content…
An example of this symbolism is present in the chapter entitled “The Wine”, in this chapter readers are exposed to the more mental attributes of the character in Persepolis. Wine is commonly a symbol for life, strength, friendship and love. It also symbolises this within Persepolis. Despite being banned in Iran Marji and her family have a party to celebrate the birth of Mairji’s cousin. They continued to party even though they understood the consequences of being caught, because as Marji states “ without them it wouldn’t be psychologically bearable”. This party and the wine consumed show the strength of the characters, as they are willing to break the law to have fun. The ride home also demonstrates the strength of the characters as they stand up to the officer who is suspicious of them. The strength is shown when they work together to dispose of the wine at home before the officer would go up stairs. In the final panel of this chapter Marji’s father is exhausted and still would like a drink of wine despite the trouble they just experienced in relation to alcohol. This shows a great amount of strength and perseverance, the very thing wine represents. This is necessary to ensure that readers understand how strong these characters are. Satrapi ensures this to assist in setting up the difficult decision to send Marji to Austria. A decision that requires a lot of strength mentally and emotionally. It is also important in building on how oppressive the government, that Marji grew up under control of, was. Another symbol of strength was the cigarette. This symbol was used for Marji alone, to develop the reader’s understanding of her defiant and rebellious characteristics. In the chapter called “The Cigarette” Marji goes down into the basement to smoke a cigarette she stole to “ seal [her] act of rebellion against her mother’s dictatorship”. Even
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