Summary
Iranian Revolution & Iran-Iraq War
Music & Rebellion
Gender Roles
Western Cultural Influence
100

Who is the main character of Persepolis?

Who is Marjane (Marji) Satrapi?

100

What type of government took power after the Iranian Revolution?

What is an Islamic Republic led by religious leaders.

100

What Western band does Marji love that symbolizes her rebellious spirit?

Who is Iron Maiden?

100

After the Revolution, what happens to women’s clothing laws?

What is being strictly enforced by the morality police?

100

What Western item does Marji buy on the black market early in the story?

What is a Michael Jackson / Kim Wilde Poster

200

What historical event forms the backdrop of Marji’s childhood?

What is the Iranian Revolution?

200

What symbol of modesty becomes mandatory for women and girls after the Revolution?

What is the veil / hijab?

200

Why is Marji forced to hide her posters and tapes?

What is western music being banned and considered immoral by the regime?

200

How does Marji react when her school enforces new gender-separated rules?

What is she questions and challenges authority?


200

What type of clothing from Western culture does Marji want to wear?

What is Nike Sneakers, denim jackets, and punk accessories?

300

Why does Marji’s family value education and politics?

What is they come from a background of activism and resisting oppression?

300

During the Iran–Iraq War, what daily danger becomes part of Marji’s life?

What is bombings and air raids?

300

How does Marji’s denim jacket act as an act of rebellion?

What is represents western freedom and individualism being forbidden by the government?

300

Marji’s mother is harassed on the street early in the book. What theme does this highlight?

What is increasing gender oppression and loss of women's rights?

300

Why is Western culture seen as dangerous by the new regime?

What is representing ideas of freedom, individuality, or rebellion?

400

How does Marji change internally as the war and government oppression loom larger?

What is she becomes more rebellious and aware of social injustice

400

Why does Marji feel conflicted when she hears stories of young boys recruited for war?

What is manipulation, promises of heaven, and/or exploitation of the poor?

400

Why did punk music and rock become symbols of resistance for Iranian youth?

What is offering an form of self-expression in a society restricting freedoms?


400

Why does Marji often clash with adults about gender expectations?

What is she believes in equality and refuses more oppressive roles?


400

How does Marji’s attraction to Western culture create conflict in her life?

What is she must hide her interests to avoid punishment?

500

What is the main reason Marji’s parents send her to Europe at the end of Book 1?

What is her safety and to give her freedom from the restrictive political climate in Iran.

500

How does the book portray the complexity of nationalism during wartime?

What is showing genuine patriotism and government propaganda to control citizens?
500

In what way does Marji’s taste in music reflect the book’s theme of cultural dualism?

What is showing her identity being formed by Iranian and Western influence?

500

How does Marji’s identity development challenge traditional gender norms in Iranian society?

What is she chooses to be outspoken and independent, which were qualities discouraged in women.

500

How does Persepolis use Western cultural symbols to explore identity and globalization?

What is showing how culture transcends borders even under authoritarian rule?
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