Persepolis

In Persepolis politics and sentiment do not co-exist, particularly within a government that persecutes its own peoples. When Marji’s father makes the statement “Politics and sentiment don’t mix”, he was foreshadowing the end of the story(Marji leaving Iran). The government portrayed here, no matter whom was in charge, made it a point to exercise complete control over its people. With the arrival of the veil self expression and individuality became increasingly maligned by the powers that be. On the other hand, Marji’s family is a sharp contrast to the state of political turmoil in the novel. The only occasions of refuge take place in Marji’s home, where she is free to remove the veil and spend intimate moments with her grandmother. The father’s point is pushed even further home when Marji attempts to pursue romantic interests. Her marriage was doomed from the start mostly because the state of the government was not conducive to the courting process, resulting in her marrying a man she never really truly knew. This makes the relationship between Marji’s parents special, a miracle that came together despite the odds, the only relationship between man and woman that is given any validation in the novel. Marji is forced to cover her body, to restrain artistic expression, and even give up romantic relationships. And the government couldn’t care less. The only answer was for Marji to leave Iran for another country. Though I do not feel politics and sentiment mix anywhere, the possibly in Iran is displayed as impossible…..that’s all I have to say….