Persepolis 2

Synopsis

Here is the fascinating and equally unforgettable sequel to Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi's memoir-in-comic strips of growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. Persepolis ended on a cliffhanger in 1984, just as fourteen-year-old Marjane was leaving behind her home in Tehran, escaping fundamentalism and the war with Iraq to begin a new life in the West.

Here we follow our young, intrepid heroine through the next eight years of her life: an eye-opening and sometimes lonely four years of high school in Vienna, followed by a supremely educational and heartwrenching four years back home in Iran. Just as funny and heartbreaking as its predecessor - with perhaps an even greater sense of the ridiculous inspired by life in a fundamentalist state - Persepolis 2 is also as clear-eyed and searing in its condemnation of fundamentalism and its cost to the human spirit. In its depiction of the universal trials of adolescent life and growing into adulthood - here compounded by being an outsider both abroad and at home, and by living in a state where you have no right to show your hair, wear make-up, run in public, date, or question authority - it's raw, honest, and incredibly illuminating.

Summary

Persepolis 2

Summary

Persepolis 2, by Marjane Satrapi, is a graphic novel that follows the life of Marjane in her teenage years in Austria, after she leaves her native Iran. In the first chapter, Marjane is reunited with her family in Vienna, and is confronted with the culture shock of living in a different country. She is surprised by the freedom she has in the West. She desperately wants to fit in and quickly adapts to the Western lifestyle, but she still has difficulty making true friends and fitting in with her classmates. She eventually falls in and out with a number of friends, all of whom are surprised by her outspokenness. After a while, Marjane feels that Austria is no longer her home, and she eventually decides to move back to Iran.

In the second chapter, Marjane has returned to Iran and is confronted with the reality of living under the Islamic Republic. She has to conform to the strict laws and oppressive atmosphere of the regime, while simultaneously struggling with the tension between her own beliefs and the religious rules that she must now obey. She talks openly about her views and her thoughts on religion and politics, making her stand out amongst her peers. Marjane's outspokenness continues to get her into trouble, and she is constantly at odds with her school teachers and the authorities.

In the third chapter, Marjane straddles the divide between old and new Iran while trying to make her mark in the changing society. She begins to dress more modernly and develops a crush on a young man who she encounters at a punk rock show. Throughout the chapter, she deals with disappointment after disappointment and must ultimately learn to accept this new Iran and her place in it.

In the fourth chapter, Marjane decides to leave Iran for Germany. She encounters a number of obstacles such as getting a visa and learning to speak German. After a period of struggle, Marjane finally succeeds in her goal of leaving Iran and starting a new life in Germany.

In the fifth and final chapter, Marjane talks about her experiences in adapting to German culture in her new life. She deals with feelings of homesickness, and must come to terms with the fact that she will never be fully accepted as a German, no matter how much she may feel a connection with the people and the country. In the end, Marjane discovers that she can be both an Iranian citizen and a proud German resident, and finds her place in the world.

Example

Marjane had finally arrived in Germany after much hard work. She had been granted a visa, learned to speak German, and had come to terms with the fact that she may never feel quite at home anywhere else. As Marjane explored her new home, she tried to make sense of the unfamiliar culture and language. She discovered a local supermarket and was taken aback by the sheer number of items and products available. She had grown used to the rationing of goods in Iran, and being able to choose from a variety of items that were not even available in Iran was a new concept for her. Marjane observed the many differences between German culture and Iranian culture, and was forced to confront her own identity in a brand-new environment. Even though it was a challenge, Marjane eventually found her place in Germany and was able to embrace her new home.