week #3

Week #3

I think that what happens in the chapter The Heroes has a huge impact on Marjanes life. After Marjane hears all the violent stories that Siamak and Mohsen share of how they were tortured. I also think that this experience has made her mature in a way. To be more specific I think when Marjane hears how Ahmadi was tortured, whipped, burned, and finally cut into pieces it really disturbs her. Moreover, I also sense some envy by Marjane towards Laly because her father was considered a hero. For example on page 52 on the bottom left Laly is standing big and tall in front of tiny Marjane. I think this picture says a lot more than “Maybe, but my father is a hero” says Laly. I think that this is how Laly is making her feel (tiny). To get back to the theme, I think that the stories that she heard had a negative impact on her. For example on page 53, where she is playing with her friends after the torture stories she talks about playing games like mustache on fire,the twisted arm, and mouth filled with garbage. She even goes as far as saying “Back home that evening, I had the diabolical feeling of power.” I believe that after she hears the cruel stories she thinks of the torture games to play on her friends.

 Moreover, I also think that Anoosh Marjanes uncle is really important character in Marjanes life. In the following chapter Marjane says “So my father was not a hero…If only he had been in prison.” There’s also a picture of her telling her friends lies about her father being tortured. She seems to take pride instantly as she learns that uncle Anoosh has been in prison. He later shares his life story with her. He tells her how ran from the Shah, later to be imprisoned for 9 years, and lastly he told her about his failed marriage and kids he had. In addition, later in that same chapter uncle Anoosh says to Marjane “I tell you all this because it’s important that you know. Our family memory must not be lost. Even If it’s not easy for you, even if you don’t understand it all.”  This quote really intrigued me because from what I can tell he realizes that Marjane is still a child but it’s almost as he chooses to tell her all this stories so it’s not forgotten or people like him are not forgotten. I think that uncle Annosh is a very important character to the story because Marjane sees him like a hero. When uncle Anoosh is arrested and later executed Marajne feels really sad and lost. I think that Anoosh was big support and living prove of what Marjane believes in. after he is executed I think that she is angry and she shuts everyone out of her life including God. Lastly I’ve been trying to make sense of the meaning of the swan made out of bread. He gives her one when they meet and the last one in the prison visit. Is the swan supposed to represent some kind of symbolism? If so what? 

Character Description

Character Description

   One of the quotes that got my attention was on page 17 where Marji says “For a revolution to succeed, the entire population must support it.” This is said when Marjane is trying to convince her parents to allow her to attend a demonstration. Her parents won’t allow it because it is too dangerous. But Marjane won’t have it she is tired of demonstrating in her garden and wishes her parents would understand. I felt that this is a very direct and strong statement, almost like it was being said by an adult. I think that this situation shows her maturity and how she as a young individual wants to support her country. However I much understand why her parents won’t allow her to attend. I think that Marjane is really mad at this stage of her life. This quote helped me better understand Marjane because her statement is very strong and confirms her position as a revolutionary.

Page 33. The reason for my shame and for the revolution is the same: the difference between social classes.” Her e Marjane realizes how important social classes are. It really takes her by surprise. She is upset that her maid Mahri and some boy can’t be friends because she is only a maid and the boy is of higher class. I thought this quote was important because she explains her excuses for a revolution, Or at least one of the reasons. I also think that Marjanes likes to practice her rights as an individualist. And deep down she doesn’t want to live a life that is forced upon her.  

Page 39. “But in fact it was really our own that had attacked us.” This quote I liked because I think its ironic how she and Mahri lied to her mom and go to a demonstration. However, when they get home her mother greets them both with a slap in the face. I believe that Marjane is referring to not being hurt at the demonstration by her enemies; but by her own mother because she was upset because marjane went out to protest and stand up for what she believes in.

Page 86 “I wish he were alive and in jail rather than dead and a hero,’ says Pardisse her classmate. This quote is not directly from Marjane but I think it was important. I think it makes Marjane think of her father and how she would feel if her dad did go out and fight and actually be the hero she wishes he was. It really makes me think what I would prefer if I was in her shoes.

Page 75. “But let’s be fair. If women faced prison when they refused to wear the veil, it was also forbidden to wear neckties (that dreaded symbol of the west).And if women’s hair got men excited, the same could be said of men’s bare arms. And so, wearing short-sleeved shirts was also forbidden. There was a kind of justice, after all.” This passage I thought was really important because here not only is she standing up for her right as a revolutionary but as a woman too. I think this quote shows her maturity and I think she is very young however she knows what she is fighting for when it comes to justice. And at the end when she says “there was a kind of justice, after all” I think that it shows a little bit of hope and victory at the same time. This quote helped me confirm that Marjane is persistent and she will stand up for her rights regardless the situation.

Page 87 “If the stores were closed for a single day, you’d probably eat each other! And you call yourselves civilized people! If everyone took only what they needed there would be enough to go around. “says Marjanes momPage87”Hmm.Well go to the store across the street and try to get more. You never Know”

Promt #3

Prompt 3: Persepolis

On page 46 Marjanes mother says, “It is not for you and me to do justice. I’d even say we have to learn to forgive.”

Here her mother is telling her this because Marjane had intentions to hurt Ramins father. Ramin being a 10 year kid tells Marjane that when his dad was part of the Savaks he killed millions of people. Marjane being the revolutionary that she is has an idea to avenge all those dead innocent people. Her and some friends grab nails from her dad’s toolbox and put them between their fingers with the idea of beating Ramins dad to death. While on t heir way her mom sees her and brings her home. Then she tells her it is not up to either of them to input justice to him. That she should even learn how to forgive. This comment confused me because it’s a bit contradicting. I little further in the book there is a similar circumstance and her mother says that god will serve justice to all those inhumane people. I believe her mother has the right intention when she says this to her. I understand she doesn’t like the idea of her daughter inputting justice with her own hands. That could be really dangerous and looked down on. But when she says God will serve justice to them.  It contradicts the idea of forgiving.  From what I understand when one forgives they no longer hold any anger or revengeful thoughts against them. I think it is a big confusion for Satrapi as well. I would think that it affects how she will see her friends or their parents after the whole ordeal is over. I think it would be great for everyone to forgive the Shahs followers so that they will be united as one nation. But I know that is probably impossible I guess it’s the idea that counts.  I believe that her mother’s contradicting statements are making her have mixed emotions.  As a ten year old girl I think that Marjane Satrapi is very politically involved. At this age I don’t recall being this involved so deeply in anything. It really interests me because you would assume Satrapi is just a child and her opinions and thoughts can easily be influenced.  I was surprised to read all the thoughts that she had at the age of ten. I really admire her enthusiasm with the whole topic on revolution and her right to be different. I never really understood the Islamic religion so it was nice to get the insight of the life they lived and the battles they fought.I do think it’s really important to be involved because it helps shape her life and personality. However, I think that the whole subject overwhelms her at times. Her parent’s stance in the whole ordeal has everything to do with her take on things. I think that as kids we all look up to our parents. I feel like even some kids today see their parent’s role models.   

  

I am

I am Nancy Duarte. I was born and raised in Los Angeles California .I am 23 years young, married and mother to one beautiful 2 year old girl. I enjoy spending my time with family and friends. Most of my time revolves around my daughter and family. I have an unhealthy weakness for sweets. I enjoy meeting new people and visiting new places. I consider myself to be very open minded person. I’ve learned not to take things for granted and, I am thankful for all the great people in my life. I've always liked the quote “live your life like it was the last”.  My parents have been divorced since I can remember. My mom is of Christian religion my dad is catholic and, I don’t attend church much. I believe in god however, I am doubtful when it comes to religion.   At the age of 14 my mom decided it was time for me to live with my dad. So before I turned 15 I was moved to San Jose Ca. This was a difficult transition for me as I was just becoming an adolescent. I started high school at San Jose High Academy, where I met my husband, and quickly made great friends. I graduated in 2006.And immediately moved out of my dad’s house. I attended college the following year at National Hispanic University. That didn’t last too long after two long semesters I dropped out. I was interested only in making money wasting all my time in a regular 9-5 job. As time went on I grew tired of working all the time. At one point I was even working two jobs. This is when I became tired of this routine I asked myself “What are you doing with your life?".I hated the idea of working the same job with no opportunity for self growth. I’ve had many retail jobs since I turned 17. Now I am manager for Sunglass Hut in valley fair mall. Through my job I have had the opportunity to work with great people. I really like what I do, however it’s not what I see myself doing for the rest of my life. The money is good but I like the idea of being passionate for what you do and truly this is not. I want to break the chain and set an example for my daughter. She motivates me to be a better person and parent. Because of her my life has changed completely for the better. I’ve been a student here at San Jose city for a little over a year. I plan on finishing all my general education classes then acquiring my BA in criminal justice. At least it’s what I think I want to do. I’ve never taken any criminal justice classes yet. However, the subject of crime, violence, and justice really draws my attention.  Would it be a good idea to take a criminal justice class before actually finishing my general education? I guess I’ve never really pondered the idea.