In the autobiographical graphic novel Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi, the main character’s mother, Taji, is an assertive and modern woman. Taji Satrapi is able to stick up for herself and her values in the face of the Iranian Revolution. She takes on the role of a mother and teaches her daughter Marjane valuable life lessons. Taji demonstrates how to stick up for human rights and be her own person. She wants Marjane to have the freedom to be herself. Yet, the revolution forces Mrs.Satrapi to be responsible and put her duties as a mother above her modern values. The revolution in Iran changed Taji’s parenting style and impelled her to be a responsible mother. Taji Satrapi used to protest against the Islamic regime constantly. She fought for
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Later on, her character develops into a more overbearing and protective parent. Other young girls are scolded for their refusal of the veil and the traditional values it represents. Yet, Marjane was allowed to wear jeans and even jewelry to school. Mrs. Satrapi permitted Marjane to become her own person and form her own opinions. She even went so far as to take Marjane to a protest. She affirms, “ [Marjane] should start learning how to defend her rights as a woman right now!” (page 76 row 1 column 3). In contrast to her earlier opinion, Taji now believes that Marjane can protest with adult supervision. By taking her to protest, Taji showed Marjane that woman can be powerful and loud. Taji wants Marjane to grow up strong and proud of who she is. She taught Marjane to never be afraid of what other people say or do, as long as she is true to herself. Unfortunately, Taji’s best intentions backfire at the demonstration. In chapter 10, the situation begins to take a turn for the worst. An image shows radical traditionalists clubbing the Satrapis while chanting, “THE SCARF OR A BEATING” (page 76 row 2 column 2). The terrified family is seen screaming in fear as they run away. This marks a final turning point for Taji. She realizes that Marjane must follow the the rules of the traditionalists in order to survive. They stopped protesting and challenging societal rules. Instead they kept their rebellions private and extremely secretive. Taji’s transition to a responsible parent keeps her from expressing her values, in exchange for keeping her family
Later on, her character develops into a more overbearing and protective parent. Other young girls are scolded for their refusal of the veil and the traditional values it represents. Yet, Marjane was allowed to wear jeans and even jewelry to school. Mrs. Satrapi permitted Marjane to become her own person and form her own opinions. She even went so far as to take Marjane to a protest. She affirms, “ [Marjane] should start learning how to defend her rights as a woman right now!” (page 76 row 1 column 3). In contrast to her earlier opinion, Taji now believes that Marjane can protest with adult supervision. By taking her to protest, Taji showed Marjane that woman can be powerful and loud. Taji wants Marjane to grow up strong and proud of who she is. She taught Marjane to never be afraid of what other people say or do, as long as she is true to herself. Unfortunately, Taji’s best intentions backfire at the demonstration. In chapter 10, the situation begins to take a turn for the worst. An image shows radical traditionalists clubbing the Satrapis while chanting, “THE SCARF OR A BEATING” (page 76 row 2 column 2). The terrified family is seen screaming in fear as they run away. This marks a final turning point for Taji. She realizes that Marjane must follow the the rules of the traditionalists in order to survive. They stopped protesting and challenging societal rules. Instead they kept their rebellions private and extremely secretive. Taji’s transition to a responsible parent keeps her from expressing her values, in exchange for keeping her family