Format Elements
The format of Persepolis is this combination of visual art and narrative.
A graphic novel
What does "secular" mean?
Non-religious
What is the name of the main character in Persepolis?
Marji Satrapi
This revolution forced Marjane to start wearing the veil at school.
The Islamic Revolution
Who and why did Marji have to write letters to on behalf of Mehri?
Marji's neighbor who she was in love with! She was illiterate since she was a peasant.
What perspective is Persepolis told that allows readers to experience Marjane’s inner thoughts and emotions?
1st Person
What is the definition of "defeatist"?
a person who expects or easily accepts failure
What did Marji put in her hands to beat up Ramin because his father murdered millions?
Nails from her father's toolbox
What is the capital of Iran?
Tehran
Marjane's parents attend many of these dangerous events against the Shah.
Demonstrations or Protests
What is the space between panels in a comic or graphic novel?
Gutter
What is a "Splash Page"?
a comic book page that is mostly or entirely taken up by a single image or panel
What is the name of Marji's families maid/servant who is like a sister to her?
Mehri
This war, lasting from 1980 to 1988, shapes Marjane’s adolescence.
Iran-Iraq War
Who in Marji's life was once a prince (in line to become Shah) but turned into a communist?
Her grandfather
This color palette emphasizes the starkness and seriousness of the story.
Black & White
What does Flatulence mean?
Fart
Marjane looks up to this man, who was imprisoned and later executed for his political beliefs.
Uncle Anoosh
Where does Kaveh (Marji's crush) go to?
The United States
After telling the women at the store to store to stop arguing over food, what does Marji's mom do?
She tells Marji that she should go across the street to get more food (rice).
What is the difference between a "speech bubble" and a "thought bubble"?
Speech Bubble:
Purpose: Shows what a character is saying out loud.
Appearance: Typically a rounded bubble with a tail pointing to the character's mouth.
Use in Persepolis: When Marjane talks to her parents, friends, or other characters, her words appear in speech bubbles.
Thought Bubble:
Purpose: Shows what a character is thinking privately (not spoken aloud).
Appearance: Usually a cloud-like shape with small bubbles leading to the character’s head.
Use in Persepolis: When Marjane reflects on her feelings, fears, or internal conflicts, her thoughts appear in thought bubbles.
What word means "done secretively, usually because it is illegal or otherwise unacceptable"?
Clandestine
Who is Taji?
Marji's Mother
Where does Marji and family go to on vacation for three weeks after the scary demonstration?
Italy and Spain
What happened to the released prisoners Mohsen and Siamak?
Mohsen was found drowned in the bath tub. Siamak was forced to flee and they killed his sister.