Persepolis structure is chronological ordered while the
first volume gives vague indications on factual dates it does give clues via
historical events in which it is possible to estimate the date, on the other
hand the second volume provides more accurate time frames, dates and historical
events.
The graphic novel is organized and separated by chapters;
each chapter revolves around an issue, emotion or a historical event.
Persepolis is considered to be a Bildungsroman novel, the main properties of a
Bildungsroman novel are: it is a coming of age novel, which main focus is on
the psychological and moral growth of the main character through a variety of
life experiences; Bildungsroman novels often depict conflict between the main
character morals and their society.
Persepolis
exhibits the traits of a Bildungsroman novel, as the novel closely follows
Marji as she grows in Tehran and Austria. From a very young age Marji believed
in religion, she wished to become a prophet in order to right all the wrongs in
society such as class discrimination (“because our maid did not eat with
us"), poverty and inequality (“because my father had a Cadillac”), and
elderly abuse (“and above all , because my grandmother’s knees always ached”)[1C].
Shortly after Marji became more aware she was influenced by her activist
family, and the many notable figures from the books such as Fidel, Che Guevara,
and Trotsky.
 |
| Persepolis Vol 1 - pg 6 |
Marji
soon condemned religion after she learned how they were manipulating the people
and the execution of the family’s hero uncle Anoosh and was branded as a
traitor “Russian Spy Executed”. That night god came to Marji’s room asking what
was wrong she explosively replied “Shut up, You! Get out of my life!!! I never
want to see you again!”.