An In Depth Look at the Relationship between Modernism and Religion in Persepolis

Throughout Persepolis the relationship between Modernism and Religion is an important theme, which is shown through juxtaposition, conflict, and comparison between the two ideals. Satrapi creates a situation in which there is a parallelism between Marjane’s inner conflict between religion and modernism; and Iran’s conflict between religion and modernism. An example of this can be seen on page 6 in the first panel where Marjane explains her conflict between her modern attitude towards wearing the veil and her deeply religious attitude towards wearing the veil, to intensify the juxtaposition the artist shows the veil as being dark Marjane in modern clothes as light, but at the same time illustrates the background so that the modern side is dark and the religious side light. The artist does this so as to not only intensify the juxtaposition, but also to further convey Marjane’s feeling towards this inner conflict and how she cannot choose which side is right. Another example of the comparison between Modernism and Religion can be seen in the way the artist chooses to draw G-d and Karl Marx in an identical manner as if to say that Modernism and Religion can coexist. This theme continues throughout the entire book and plays a major role in furthering the plot line, especially when Iran becomes an Islamic state which creates much conflict between people who wish for a Modern society and the clergy which wishes for a conservative Religious society. This theme is of upmost importance because it helps to convey Marjane’s inner feelings and confusion over Modernism and Religion.