Born on this day November 22, 1969, Marjane Satrapi’s unique narrative style is an embodiment of empowerment and resilience. She hails from Iran and her seminal works, particularly Persepolis and Chicken with Plums have been celebrated globally for their compelling storytelling and engaging visuals. Satrapi’s graphic novels are based on her life experiences, offering a profound exploration of socio-political landscapes through the lens of personal narratives. The narratives are deeply embedded in her Iranian roots, reflecting on the tumultuous history of her country and the resilience of its people.
In Persepolis, Satrapi tells the story of her childhood and early adult years in Iran during and after the Islamic Revolution. The graphic novel is a compelling testimony to the resilience of the Iranian people, particularly women, as they navigate through political turmoil. Satrapi’s narrative style empowers her characters by giving them voices, illuminating their struggles, and celebrating their strengths. Her portrayal of women in society is particularly noteworthy; they are not mere victims of their circumstances but active agents shaping their destinies.
Chicken with Plums, on the other hand, is a poignant tale of love and loss set in Tehran. This narrative showcases Satrapi’s ability to weave complex human emotions into her stories, making them relatable and profoundly affecting. Her unique narrative style marries visual artistry with evocative storytelling, delivering a powerful commentary on human experience amid societal upheavals.
Marjane Satrapi’s narrative style is a beacon of empowerment and resilience. Her narratives in Persepolis and Chicken with Plums are not just stories, but political commentaries that shed light on the resilience of individuals against the backdrop of socio-political challenges. Through her work, Satrapi empowers her characters, her readers, and herself, demonstrating the transformative power of storytelling in understanding and navigating complex human experiences.
The regime had understood that one person leaving her house while asking herself:
Are my trousers long enough?
Is my veil in place?
Can my make-up be seen?
Are they going to whip me?
No longer asks herself:
Where is my freedom of thought?
Where is my freedom of speech?
My life, is it liveable?
What’s going on in the political prisons?
-Marjane Satrapi, The Complete Persepolis
Curated by Jennifer
