Marjane Satrapi's Persepolis Analytical Essay

Throughout Marjane Satrapi graphic novel, Persepolis, Satrapi demonstrates a variety of artistry in order to bring out emotion and emphasis in the plot. Frames, the outline of a panel, and the images inside them, show these emotions through size and detail of the panel. Similar to film, graphic novels can emphasize what the author wants the formalizer, the reader of a graphic novel, to focus on through the viewpoint of the panel. The details also come into play with the distance from the focus point the panel takes place in. As the story of Persepolis progresses, Satrapi’s artistic style starts to become apparent, which brings emphasis to tone, underlying stories, and narrative. As the story of Marjane Satrapi’s childhood unfolds, different styles of frames (she uses) are used to portray different tones of the story. Frames are the boxes which the graphic novel’s story is taking place in. Generally, Satrapi uses a larger frame to signify a higher level of importance for parts of the Persepolis, in her life and in the story. The scene which Marjane was is a little girl and creates her own religion based off her connection with god demonstrates Satrapi’s use of frame size. She recalls that she was “Justice, Love, and the wrath of god.” (9/6) This frame is a splash …show more content…
Satrapi uses her own form of artistry and drawing to establish tone through literal imagery. Her artistic style is represented specifically in the splash panels, where she is able to incorporate Iranian culture into her writing. When the Shah of Iran resignes, the collage of Iranian people elated with the news shows men and women all with elaborately patterned shirts and gowns, all holding up peace signs. (42/1) Although you can write a description of what Satrapi is trying to represent in panel, happiness and freedom, the drawing shows the true elation of Marjane and the Iranian people around