《學生投稿》
The Graphic Memoire—Persepolis
作者：華語教學碩士學程 文譯瑱 Wen, Yi-Tian
Throughout Satrapi’s Persepolis, we encounter three instances of diegetic and non-diegetic images that depict the tension and irony between young Marjane and her older self.
The first example occurs on page 34, where Marjane discusses her relationship with Mehri, her adopted sister. In the caption, she portrays Mehri as nurturing and playful, stating they get along well. However, the panels suggest otherwise; Mehri's interactions appear distant, merely tolerating Marjane's presence. This dissonance between Marjane's description and the depicted reality serves to blur the boundaries between them, challenging the notion of Mehri as solely a maid. Marjane's subsequent offer to assist Mehri and keep their relationship secret reinforces this theme of familial equality despite social class disparities.
Similarly, on page 37, when Mehri is rejected by the neighbor's son due to her social status, Marjane quips that they still share the same bed, highlighting her efforts to bridge class differences. These instances underscore the author's intention to portray their relationship positively while downplaying social divides.
On page 43, Marjane's mother's remark about the devil departing contrasts with the lingering snake imagery, symbolizing hidden threats despite apparent relief. This juxtaposition of sensory and interpretive elements reflects the characters' hope for a better future after the Shah's overthrow, which proves fleeting as the Islamic regime imposes restrictions and Iran plunges into conflict.
Finally, on page 117, Marjane's declaration of adulthood amidst smoking illustrates irony between her perception and reality. Despite her assertion, she remains reliant on her parents and makes irresponsible choices, challenging her credibility. Her desire to mature prematurely reflects a disconnect between her perception of adulthood and the actual responsibilities it entails, a theme reinforced by adult Marjane's retrospective commentary.
In summary, these examples highlight the tension between sensory and interpretive imagery, enriching the graphic memoir's narrative by offering insight into Marjane's evolving perspective from childhood to adulthood. Through these dual timelines, the author provides readers with a nuanced reflection on the past from an adult standpoint.
References
References
Satrapi, M. (2004). Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood. Pantheon.
