"Sarrapi's text is framed dietetically, and externally in her introduction, by injections to 'never forget': it is the defining project of the text. Arguably the most moving narrative thread in the book is Marji's relationship with her charismatic uncle Anoosh... Anoosh tells her: 'Our family memory must not be lost. Even if it's not easy for you, even if you don't understand it all.' Marji replies, 'Don't worry, I'll never forget'"(9)
"'In life you'll meet a lot of jerks. If they hurt you, tell yourself that it's because they're stupid. That will help keep you from reacting to their cruelty. Because there is nothing worse than bitterness and vengeance... always keep your dignity and be true to yourself.....don't even forget what I told you'" (150-151)
How does this text breach the racial and cultural gap in order to connect to readers across the world?
I believe the reason I love this novel so much is because I can connect to it even though it has nothing to do with my culture or background. I have not gone through having my house being bombed or my friends (not in the war) die just right next door. But the messages within this text connect perfectly, I just never really tried to explore why it works. I figured that it must be the comic book style that helped me connect, which is part of the reason, but the message of "never forget" also hits hard throughout. Every time I go through anything hard or I fail in some sort of aspect, I remind myself "don't forget where you came from, your stronger than this". This exactly how I relate to Satrapi's story. This is a message anyone can related to, no matter what culture or background, which is astounding. The funny thing is, my grandma told me a version of the quote above years ago, "love is deaf, blind, dumb, and stupid. Don't get caught in that ok?" It's something that has stuck to me for all my life, and will continue to do so. Satrapi is able to make me realize that cultures are more similar through this message of "never forget".
Satrapi also uses the theme of "growing up" in order to help breach the culture gap. This message is something every person goes through during their teen years, no matter what culture during what time. Satrapi went through different experiences, worse then I've ever been through, but its the fact that we've all been through something, and that event is what makes us come into ourselves as adults, helps us discover ourselves. Because Marji goes through horrible events and makes mistakes makes her more human then ever, which helps us connect with her as a character. The graphic novel aspect of Persepolis does indeed help the barrier across cultures, but the messages inside of the novel create more of a bond between reader and author, one that keeps the reader engaged until the very end.
No comments:
Post a Comment