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.
Your post really made me think about the contradiction. I never noticed it until you mentioned it. I do think it is a bit contradicting, but I think what the mother was trying to say was that, as humans, we should forgive each other's deed and let God deal with them. I also believe she was trying to teach Marijane the lesson that all humans make mistakes and one should not take the responsibility to bring justice because it could end up in violence; therefore, one should leave it up to God. Marijane was definitely into politics as young child because that is how she was raised. When her uncle came to visit, she mentioned that there were more political discussions taking place (62). Also, I do not think that the book does a good job at showing what the religion is really about. The author wrote about her opinion and her point-of-view rather than the facts. The religion is about peace and forbids violence. For some reasons, many authors forget to mention this vital core in their writing.
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