1.  According to the introduction, what stereotypical image is Satrapi trying to dispel? 

2.  The author indicates two motives for writing Persepolis. What are they?

1) When does the novel begin?

2) What were the two outcomes of the Islamic Revolution? 

3) How was education affected by the new regime? Why? 

4) What did the veil symbolize? 

5) What did bilingual schools symbolize to the new regime? 

6) Did women have a universal response to the veil? Why? 

7) Why was a picture of Marjane’s mother published in the newspaper? How did her mother respond? Why? 

8) Describe the symbolism and conflict represented in the picture on the top of page 6. 

1) Who are Che Guevara? Fidel? Trotsky? Why are they important?

2) How do the children begin to reflect the political realities of the adult world in which they live?

3) Explain the simile on page 10.

4) What metaphor does the author use on page 11 to portray the Persian people during 2500 years of tyranny and submission?

5) The Persian people faced oppression from what four sources?

6) How does Marji’s relationship with God begin to change?

7) What happens at Rex Cinema? What is the political spin?

8) Respond to the imagery on page 15.

9) What do you suppose is Marji’s underlying motive for desiring to join her parents in the street demonstration?

1) Comment on the illustrations used to portray the demonstrations on page 18.

2)  Even though Marji’s dad reveals that the shah was not chosen by god, why would the shah spread the story that he was?

3) What is a puppet government? In such a system, who seemed to be the real emperor of Persia?

4) What does Marji’s mother reveal in a flashback? Her husband responds by saying, “That time is past.” What do you think?

5)  How would you describe Mariji’s emotional state on page 25? Why is she soaking herself in the tub?

1) Who was Cyrus the Great? Why was he so important?

2) Look at the top panel of page 28. Based on the cluse from the first three pages of this section, how does Cyrus feel about the Shah? How do you know?

3) What did Marji’s father do every day that makes her mother so nervous? Why is this activity strictly forbidden?

4) What happens when a second dead man is carried out on a stretcher during a demonstration?

5) What happens next that surprises Marji and amuses her family? Why is this story funny to Marji’s parents?

1) What causes Marji to feel so ashamed? Why? How is this realization connected to the revolution?

2) Who is Mehri? How does she come to join Marji’s family? How does Marji view her? How does Mehri view Marji?

3) How did news of Mehri’s clandestine affair reach Marji’s father? What was the outcome? Why?

4) What is Marji’s reaction to the break-up?

5) What happened on Black Friday? Why? What painful lesson did Marji learn?

1)    How does the Shah attempt to appease the people? Why did he fail?

2)    How does the picture of the people on page 42 differ from the one at the beginning of the chapter?

3)    What contributes to Marji’s anger and confusion when she returns to school?

4)    Why do Marji and her friends want to attack Ramin?

5)    Why does Ramin believe his father is not a murderer? How does his comment reflect the attitude of other children?

1)    How many political prisoners were released after the Shah stepped down from power?

2)    According to Laly, where is her father Siamak? How does Marji respond to her friend’s answer?

3)    What lessons does Marji learn about “truth”?

4)    Where had Siamak and Mohsen been for the last several years? Why?

5)    Now that the revolution is over, what does Marji decide?