Modernism vs. Fundamentalism

Historical Background Continued

Iranian revolution: initiated by group of Islamic fundamentalists that were repulsed

by the modernized culture and decisions that Shah adopted. Capitalistic lifestyle

seen as disrespectful in the name of Islam.

Led to the removal of Shah from his monarchical power and led way to an Islamic

fundamentalist regime. Ayatollah Khomeini became the new powerful

leader of Iran.

Acceptance of the new theocracy put forth by Khomeini, but many people

that opposed the strict regulations began to revolt against the new government.

Satrapi’s family was part of the revolutionaries who protested against the new

government due to their more westernized culture.

The Iran- Iraq war began. Many civilians had been bombed and the Iranian

government officers had used excessive power in order to keep the citizens oppressed.

Conclusion

Fundamentalism vs Modernism

HIstorical Background of Persepolis

Fundamentalism: a form of a religion, especially Islam or Protestant Christianity that upholds belief in the strict, literal interpretation of scripture.

Modernism: a movement towards modifying traditional beliefs in accordance with modern ideas. A movement towards individual freedoms of speech, religion, sexuality enshrined in democratic processes and the pursuit of scientific progress through capitalism/ industrialization.

Iran late 1970’s and onward.

Iran was undergoing major political changes that would forever change the social and political aspects of the nation.

Iranian revolution attracted many Iranians + gained popularity as the Shah had lost support from citizens. Revolution was the public reaction after several years of the Shah’s involvement with western nations and making weak political and economic decisions for the country. Persepolis is told through the eyes of a young Marjane, growing up during the revolution who contains a strong urge to find meaning in her life.

Marjane struggles to find her real identity through the conflict between fundamentalism and modernism.

In Iran, the government imposes a strict religious lifestyle, however, in Austria, as Marjane says there is much more individual freedom however ‘you can collapse in the street and no one will give you a hand (pg 126 Book 2). Extremes of both side are uninviting to Marjane, forcing her to find and maintain her own balance in society and form a strong personality. Her character is ultimately shaped as a rebel, critical thinker ready to impose change because of her background and the conflicts apparent in her life.

Her personal insights from a lifetime of observation help us understand the collective motivations for change and the individual conflicts this can create.

At each stage of her life she has had to reconcile major shifts in society which have had a major impact on her personal identity.

Panels page 75 of book 1: how people dressed after revolution which rapidly became an ideological sign. Two kinds of women in Iran, the fundamentalist women and the modern women. ‘You showed your opposition to the regime by letting a few strands of hair show’. Minimal acts of defiance allows us to distinguish between performers who put on a façade and those who act out of personal faith.

Thematic Message

Growing up in a cultural background which contains a clash/conflict between opposing forces/ ideology creates instability for families and ultimately affects one’s identity and persona.

Thesis

Conflict between Modernism and Fundamentalism in Persepolis 1 and 2

In Marjane Satrapis’ graphic novels ‘Persepolis 1 and 2’, Satrapi uses imagery, symbolism and her personal experiences to depict the conflict between modernism and fundamentalism and convey the way that this clash shapes Marji into becoming, at a very young age, a rebellious, critical thinker devoted to change.

Persepolis 2

Page 20-

Austria, when Marjane enters modern world, introduced to many socialist revolutionaries.

In order to fit into society she begins to read and explore revolutionary characters.

Being exposed to both a modern society, in Austria, and a fundamentalist one in Iran allows Marjane to become a more aware, open grounded individual.

She is unlike all her friends.

Austria: embrace solely modern beliefs- little or no knowledge on events taking place in Eastern world.

Iran: Marjane’s friends restricted to what is taught by fundamentalists leaving them barely informed on western world.

Marjane in an advantageous position, vast knowledge on the world allows her to have an attentive eye for judgement and critique.

Page 73: Present goal of the fundamentalist system of rule to restrict Western ideology through lack of education. Affects not only Marjane but entire families as it seems now impossible to maintain a family in Iran due to the lack of education.

Marjane’s grand dreams about becoming an educated chemist, are completely shattered and therefore her lack of opportunity to succeed in that field certainly triggers her future rebellious character against the regime and her desire for change in the world. Marjane was incredibly outspoken even at a very young age. She filled her mind with knowledge and never stopped speaking her mind.

Inner confusion felt by Marjane once the veil is enforced.

Marjane: born into a “very modern and avant-garde” family, she faces an identity crisis caused by the clash between the pro-revolutionary undercurrents at school and opposing opinions at home.

Imagery on page 6 is powerful, split down the middle with a black background on the left and a white background on the right.

Left Satrapi is unveiled, and on the right she is veiled. Background on left depicts images associated with work, career and education. On right, by contrast, depicts typical Islamic floral designs. The first panel in which the struggle between the opposing forces of modernity and fundamentalism start to cloud over Marjane’s life, and which will ultimately shape her into becoming a more observant, opinionated and critical thinker in the world.

Page 143-

Marjane returns to Iran, at University, the fundamentalist system becomes more entrenched against women

Marjane’s frustration grows, her outspoken ways - hero in eyes of many women striving for independence in Iran.

Having been open to the foreign and modern world while living in Austria, Marjane is less accustomed to strict rules therefore takes a stand against the harsh veil regulations imposed on her and her classmates in university.

First step towards making a change, and progressively increases.

Page 147-

Marjane told off by the police for running.

This infuriates Marjane- finds it absurd- causes her to yell at police an act of pure rebellion and agitation, which in normal circumstances would not have been at all accepted and considered by the policemen.

Spontaneous upheaval by Marjane against fundamentalists: clear result of her vast cultural knowledge of modernist society of women’s rights and her critical judgement.

In such oppressive society she is able to stand up for herself knowing she might be penalized with beating or even death by just taking these risks.

Imagine yourselves living in this situation, restricted from any education. How would you feel and react to this abrupt change? If this morning they announced on the news that France is closing down all of its institutes and schools for a couple of years, and you had been planning to go to university and become a doctor or a lawyer and you were really looking forward to it. How could this information shape your identity and behavior in the near future?

Page 76: Violent measures the fundamentalists took to enforce their ideals of the veil in this case, awakens Marji to the violent nature of the cultural conflict in Iran. Brutal demonstration stimulates fear and terror in Iranians, creates unstable environment for families such as the Satrapi’s to live in.

Page 131: Marked differences between how she conducts herself on the streets of Tehran and how she rebels within the four walls of her room.

Material transformation from private unveiled to the public veiled self is illustrated. Marjane changes from wild teenager- modern woman she is, to reserved, sedated young woman when she puts on veil. She goes out in public wearing a denim leather jacket with westernized shoes.

Displays Marjane’s partial rejection of the strict fundamentalist’s rules, her desire to demonstrate some identity, difference. Want to create a trend and stand up for her own rights as a woman in a society dominated by men.

Page 143- After Baba Levy’s death

Marjane has experienced many losses: rebels entirely at school, denouncing the hypocrisy of what is taught in school intending to stand up for the truth. She isn’t blind to what she is taught in school about the regime. The disasters and terror led her to become the ‘martyr’ in her classroom.