Beyond the Veil: Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
- Daria Nenu
- Feb 7, 2024
- 7 min read
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi offers a unique lens into the socio-political landscape of Iran during and after the Islamic Revolution. The book serves as a valuable narrative that not only captures personal experiences but also sheds light on the broader dynamics shaping Iranian society during a period of significant upheaval. This analysis will delve into key events from the book, exploring their relevance in the greater context of Iranian society, and subsequently draw connections to contemporary political issues.
The action is centered around Marji’s upbringing, in the context of political instability and turmoil. The book portrays the initial optimism of those who supported the revolution and their subsequent disillusionment as the new regime became increasingly authoritarian. This mirrors broader patterns in revolutionary movements, where diverse groups often unite against a common enemy but struggle to maintain cohesion in the aftermath of victory.
The narrative in Persepolis is deeply intertwined with Iranian history, symbolized by the book's title. Persepolis, the capital of the Achaemenid Empire, the First Persian Empire, established in approximately 550 BC, holds historical significance. This empire, stretching from present-day Turkey and Northern Africa to India, earned recognition for its effective governance, power, and widespread cultural influence on Africa, Europe, and Asia. During its climax, Persia was a global envy, and Persepolis stands as the emblem of historical splendor of Iran, its influence echoing throughout Satrapi's narrative.
The characters in Persepolis derive a profound sense of pride and nationalism from Persia's glorious history. However, this pride becomes intricately entangled with Marji's feelings of shame for her country. As the story unfolds, Marji keenly observes the self-destructive tendencies prevalent in Iran, leading to her disappointment and disillusionment. The ancient promise embodied by Persepolis becomes a stark contrast to the contemporary Iran, serving as the center of Marji's profound disillusionment. This interplay between historical expectations and the harsh reality of her nation emerges as the pivotal source of Marji's disillusionment.
“I had learned that you should always shout louder than your aggressor.”
The book begins with the Islamic Revolution of 1979, a pivotal moment in Iranian history. The Iranian Revolution, also known as the Islamic Revolution, was a public revolt that took place in Iran in 1978–1979 and led to the overthrow of the country's authoritarian government and the foundation of an Islamic republic, overseen by Ayatollah Khomeini.
Following centuries of invasion and foreign domination, Iran finds itself under the rule of the Shah, who asserts his authority as a divine right. Notably, the Shah's ascension to power was organized by European powers seeking to secure access to Iran's extensive oil resources, rendering his rule as yet another instance of invasion by outsiders. The Shah's perceived lack of legitimacy, coupled with widespread poverty and his arbitrary and harsh policies, sparks discontent among the citizens. As the Shah employs a heavy-handed approach to suppress protests, it only serves to fuel the demonstrations, leading to a unified demand for his removal.
The overthrow of the Shah's regime and the establishment of an Islamic Republic marked a radical transformation of the political landscape.
“We found ourselves veiled and separated from our friends.”
One of the book's central themes is the impact of the revolution on women's rights. Marjane's journey provides a lens through which the broader societal shifts in gender dynamics can be analyzed. The imposition of strict dress codes, limitations on women's participation in public life, and the assignment of women to traditional roles are depicted vividly.
Marji grapples with the oppressive nature of the regime's policies, hindering her ability to express her true self. Naturally curious, spirited, and outspoken, she aspires to live as an educated and liberated woman. However, the regime demands submission and obedience. Mandates such as the introduction of the veil and the segregation of boys and girls in schools force Marji into a lifestyle that clashes with her fundamental identity.
The book illustrates how political and religious authorities sought to control and redefine the role of women in society as a means of consolidating power. In contemporary Iran, debates over political representation, human rights, and the role of religion in governance continue to shape the political landscape
On September 16, 2022, Mahsa Amini, a young Iranian woman, died in the custody of Iran's morality police due to her "improper" clothing, sparking widespread outrage. The incident fueled protests across the country, with demonstrators adopting the slogan "Woman, Life, Freedom" to express broader grievances against government negligence. Initially local, the protests resonated strongly in Iran's Kurdistan province, drawing parallels with the long-standing Kurdish movement against violence towards Kurdish women. Amini's funeral turned into a protest, leading to clashes with security forces. Protests soon broke out in other cities across Iran, with many protesters repeating the chant and removing their own head coverings.
Despite previous notable protests, Amini's death triggered the most significant wave of unrest in Iran since the 1979 revolution. It united not only women advocating for legal improvements but also concerned men, fearing an increasingly oppressive state. Various ethnic and religious groups, such as Balochs, Azeris, Arabs, and religious minorities, joined the outrage against the regime's treatment of minorities. By year-end, approximately 20,000 protesters had been arrested, and at least 500 had been killed.
©Ozan Kose | AFP | Getty Images
Initially promising change, the protests showcased women openly defying headscarf mandates, with rumors suggesting a potential end to the requirement. However, as the unrest subsided in early 2023, the government demonstrated a determination to intensify control. In January, the judiciary announced stricter sentencing for dress code violators, followed by the use of surveillance cameras to enforce it in March. Additionally, the return of the morality police to the streets in July indicated a hardening stance by the government.
“You must base everything on these three rules: behave well, speak well, act well.”
As the revolution gives way to the establishment of the Islamic Republic, Persepolis vividly portrays the consolidation of power and the rise of authoritarianism. The suppression of dissent, censorship, and the imposition of a rigid ideological framework become symbols of the new regime. Marjane's experiences of witnessing arrests, imprisonments, and executions provide a personal account of the broader political repression that characterized post-revolutionary Iran.
This reflects the classic struggle between individual freedoms and state control. The book explores how political power, once attained, often seeks to maintain and consolidate itself through coercion and control of information. The depiction of clandestine gatherings and the constant fear of surveillance highlight the challenges faced by those who resist authoritarian rule.
The narrative within the book highlights the delicate nature of democratic systems, implying that they can be susceptible to challenges, threats, or erosion if not actively defended. The call for vigilance underscores the idea that sustaining a democratic society requires active engagement from its citizens to protect the principles and liberties that form the foundation of such a political structure.
“One can forgive but one should never forget.”
In Persepolis, the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988) unfolds amid complex regional tensions. After the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Saddam Hussein, Iraq's leader, saw an opportunity to exploit Iran's post-revolution vulnerabilities. In September 1980, he initiated the invasion, aiming to curb the revolutionary spirit and assert Iraq's dominance.
Marjane Satrapi's narrative during these turbulent years reflects the profound impact of the war on her life. The conflict led to constant threats into Marji's daily life, prompting mass emigration as people sought refuge. Simultaneously, young men were sent to the battlefield, casualties of a larger political struggle. The war caused a refugee crisis and severe shortages, amplifying societal stress.
As the situation intensified, Iranian society unraveled. The regime relied on informants, affecting trust as neighbors reported each other. Marji witnessed this, experiencing a profound rupture in her faith and love for her country. The regime's rejection of peace and the death of Marji's neighbors became tipping points, pushing her toward rebelliousness. This being especially dangerous in the oppressive Iranian atmosphere, where encounters with the law could mean imprisonment or execution.
“Nothing's worse than saying goodbye. It's a little like dying.”
Aware of the danger that Marji faces and confronted with the constant threat of being killed by an Iraqi bomb, Marji's mother grasps the gravity of the situation. Faced with these challenges, Marji's parents make a drastic decision: Marji is sent to Austria to live and study, a move aimed at providing her with freedom and safety. However, this newfound security comes at an unbearable cost for Marji. At the age of fourteen, she finds herself estranged from her country, separated from her friends, and distanced from her dear family, highlighting the profound sacrifices made in pursuit of safety and freedom.
The sense of displacement, the clash of cultures, and the struggle to maintain one's identity in a foreign environment are central themes. The Iranian diaspora becomes a political actor in its own right, engaging in activism, advocating for human rights, and influencing international perceptions of Iran. Marji's experiences illustrate how individuals in exile can play a crucial role in shaping narratives and mobilizing support for political causes.
The experiences of diaspora communities and their impact on global politics are increasingly relevant in the contemporary world. The Iranian diaspora, like many others, continues to play a role in advocating for political change, influencing public opinion, and maintaining transnational connections.
Persepolis transcends its personal narrative to offer a rich exploration of political dynamics in revolutionary Iran. From the complexities of the Islamic Revolution to the challenges of authoritarian rule and the impact on women's rights, the book provides a multifaceted view of a society in transition. Analyzing these themes not only enhances our understanding of historical events but also allows for valuable insights into contemporary political issues.
Marji's journey reflects the broader societal impacts of political decisions during this tumultuous period in Iranian history. Prohibitions on music, dance, and anything deemed decadent drain the joy from Marji's life, fostering a deepening sense of alienation and a growing conviction that she does not belong in this restrictive environment.
The enduring relevance of Persepolis lies in its ability to prompt readers to reflect on the universal themes of power, resistance, and the pursuit of freedom. By drawing connections between the events depicted in the book and contemporary political challenges, readers are encouraged to critically engage with the complexities of the political world and appreciate the enduring struggles for justice, equality, and human rights.
Bibliography:
Persepolis – Marjane Satrapi
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