Characters
What is the main character's name?
Marjane
How did the first man being celebrated die?
Hint* He was celebrated as a martyr
He was killed by the army, fighting for what he believed in.
Who is the antagonist in the chapter?
The Shah
What did the drawing on the light that looked like an explosion symbolize?
It contrasted the calm of the family in the other room, symbolizing the chaos just outside their door.
What are two social issue shown in the chapter?
Sexism and Ageism
Name a trait that Marjane has that defines her personality?
She is very outspoken.
What did Marjane's grandma take up to make money for her family?
Sewing
How did the author show that the Shah was not doing well by previous leaders?
Cyrus the Great was shown clearly angry and disappointed by the way the Shah was ruling.
What did the figure shown with the king and his wife symbolize?
It showed his royalty and power as it shared the face of Cyrus the Great in the following panel.
What is an example of sexism in the chapter?
The king's wife is always looking up at him, seemingly inferior.
What is Marjane's father's name and occupation?
Eby, he is a photographer
Why was Marjane's family worried when her dad was late coming home?
His work spreading ideas through his photos was illegal, and they were worried he would get killed.
Why did the people immediately jump to the conclusion that the deceased were martyrs and killed by the evil king?
The king lost their trust, and they hated him so much, he became a reason behind many problems.
Where was personification used in the chapter?
The limb on the phone seemed to give it a human quality, possibly adding an emotional toll to the characters.
Marjane's grandma had to take up sewing to make money. How does this show sexism?
Sewing was her only option. Men had much more work opportunities.
What elements of the story exemplify Marjane's mother's discomfort to discuss her childhood traumas associated with her mother?
She gets visibly upset when discussing the topic, and often changes the subject. She is much happier and easygoing when depicted as a child.
How did the Shah go against what he promised upon coming into power?
He promised a flourishing modern society, but instead ruled in a controlling and toxic manner, leading to chaos and destruction.
How did events in the chapter lead to Marjane's faith being further conflicted?
She was confused about what she believed in, and what was true. She had trusted god so much, but hearing about the Shah caused conflict. Despite this, when she feared for her dad's life, she saw him with God, reverting back to her old ways.
How is hyperbole used to demonstrate Marjane's role in her family?
Her size in comparison to her other family members is extremely small. It is exaggerated to stress that Marjane wasn't seen by her family.
What was a small detail at the very end of the chapter that depicted ageism in the Satrapi household?
While the adults were talking and leaving out Marjane as usual, there were three cups on the table, one for each adult, but not one for Marjane.
What is a detail about the grandma that is prominent throughout the story? What did it symbolize about her past?
Her back pain, showing the emotional pain that burdened her due to her husband's arrest.
How did the story of her grandpa and the current revolution prove to be conflicts of interest for Marjane?
She was confused about the revolution and the Shah, and wanted to understand what happened to her grandpa.
How do Marjane's views differ from her grandma's?
Marjane's grandma very clearly opposes the Shah and supports the revolution. Marjane is more confused about her feelings, and does not quite have a defined stance on the political turmoil in Iran.
How did Marjane use foreshadowing with her uncle?
He was clearly very annoyed by Marjane's mother's hope, and seemed generally lacking in optimism. His face is later covered by a finger in the family photo hinting at conflict regarding him.
How does Marjane struggle with both ageism and sexism?
Being a young female, she lacks respect and the voice that others may have, leading to her often feeling left out and silenced.