A World of Dichotomy

Dichotomy is defined as the division into two usually contradictory parts or opinions. In Persepolis, the author, Marjane Satrapi, employs dichotomy a number of times. Satrapi uses dichotomy in order to represent the feelings of Iranians during that time period. The thematic conclusion would be that during life-changing times, people are often in two minds, unable to decide what is what. There are two sides to every story, and two sides to every battle. This is how the world works and it is a part of life. Nothing ever goes in one direction.

During the revolution, there were differing views over the veil. "Everywhere in the streets there were demonstrations for and against the veil," (Satrapi 5). In a country that consisted of mostly Muslims, there were two strong sides for and against a religious requirement such as the veil. Yet, there were people who wanted to be "traditional" and there were people who wanted to be "modern". Marji herself was split and portrays her feelings on page 6 of the novel showing the contrast of both dark and light, her body split in half between the veil connected to tradition and her unveiled body tied to tools and technology, she states, "I really didnt know what to think about the veil. Deep down I was very religious but as a family we were very modern and avant-garde."

Along with that, Marji's parents are depicted as very modern and forward moving. They come across as rebels against conservatism. But at the same time they are stuck with believing that one could not marry out of their social class. When the family maid falls in love with the boy next door, Marjane's father goes and talks to the boy, "Ok, I'll get straight to the point: I know Mehri pretends she is my daughter, in reality she is my maid." Marji's parents uphold the old-fashioned view of