Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Persepolis

1. Satrapi certainly achieved her goal of relaying a tale of complex political alliances and takeovers of a tumoltuous country. The complex political events portrayed in the story would be hard for anyone to understand. The simple captions allong with the illustrations make it easier to keep straight. Above this though I believe the personal aspect of the story is portrayed brilliantly. She presents very serious subject matter in a very readable, refreshing way with funny touches of sarcastic humour. She does this without triavializing the material.Normally a story of growing up amidst violence and upheaval, and going from an innocent child with an active imagination, to losing faith in god would be miserable and depressing to read.

2. I love the black and white!! It goes with the simple child-like tone of the book. If the pictures were in color it would detract from the great, insightful language of the story. As they are they add just the right amount of eleboration to the caption.

3. I chose the picture where she is being cradled by god. This has emotional appeal. Even though she is a child with an adventurous spirit and wild imagination, she still craves the security of being held by comforting arms. God is portrayed as a kindly grandfather-like figure. He is almost completely white with long hair and a long white beard. His mouth isn't visable but his eyes are arranged in a comforting way. She is almost completely enveloped in his flowing white robe. I think this is similar to allot of children's vision of god. A kindly old man there with comfort and eternal wisdom when one feels confused or overwhelmed by the world They are against a completely black background. There is a bit of irony in the caption "yes you are celestial light" this seems to be poking fun at the self centered-ness of children. There is also a sweet sincerity though. He is affirming her faith. He tells her she is on the right path. Both figures in the picture are stationary. God is a rounded shape, which suggests that he is a benevolent figure. She is looking up at him with a worried, questioning expression. Also his protrayal as completely white could be representing her innocence despite the frightening things happening around her.

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