VCE Essay prompts: Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi

Looking for practice essay prompts for Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi? Here are some practice prompts to help you prepare for the text response essay!

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Satrapi depicts a world in which people strive for happiness, but despair is never far away. Do you agree?
Although oppression is everywhere in Persepolis, there is also a persistent air of freedom and rebellion. Discuss.
It is through the reach of religion that the revolution could exert power and influence over the people. Do you agree?
It is clear in Persepolis that one cannot be Iranian and devoutly religious. Do you agree?
How does Persepolis explore what it means to live in fear of persecution and oppression?
‘Bad people are dangerous but forgiving them is too.’ What role does forgiveness play in Persepolis?

How do the images help to convey the challenges of growing up in this society?
‘Every situation has an opportunity for laughs.’ The humour in Persepolis comes from the dissonance between Marjane’s innocence and Satrapi’s maturity. Do you agree?
Marjane is conflicted in more than one way. Discuss.
Persepolis‘ central story is to reconcile her identity as herself and as an Iranian. Do you agree?
Marjane’s growth from a child to a young woman is accelerated by the revolution. Do you agree?
‘Always keep your dignity and be true to yourself.’ To what extent does Marjane follow her grandmother’s advice?
How do Marjane’s parents seek to protect her from the realities of the revolution?
How do Marjane’s innocence reveal the truths of her world?
Discuss the importance of hopes and dreams in Persepolis.

The women of Persepolis suffer more extensively and traumatically than the men, yet they transcend their pain more successfully. Do you agree?
In identifying people only through their gender, the revolution denies everybody their true sense of identity. Discuss.
Throughout the graphic novel, Persepolis criticises the revolution for its hypermasculinity. Do you agree?

The revolution forced people to make their personal lives into a political stance. Discuss.

Satrapi is simultaneously storytelling and commenting via the conventions of the graphic novel. Discuss.
Satrapi’s portrayal of Islam is biased and one-sided, but the autobiographical nature of Persepolis justifies this. Do you agree?

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