Class Structure In Persepolis

A common theme or idea that is prevalent in Persepolis is class structure. Social classes is an idea that the main character, Marjane, grapples with because she is fortunate enough to be born into a family that is fairly well off. There is an aspect of guilt as she recognizes that others around her are very poor and it raises questions politically and socially.

The first instance where social classes comes up in the novel is when young Marjane wanted to be a prophet. Marjane wanted to be a prophet because even though she was young, she could see the issue of equality in her everyday life. Her maid did not eat at the dinner table with her family, which is arguably contradictory because her family fights for the revolution that encompasses equality.

Class structure is discussed again in “The Letter”. The pictures of children as young as three years old cleaning car windows or the little girl, Leila, who wove carpets at the age of five. This really depicted the harsh reality of social classes in Iran because many families are forced to make their children work to provide for their family, rather than go to school and get the education they need in order to make their country a better nation. Marjane realizes this and becomes ashamed to ride in her parents Cadillac as many families cannot afford the basic necessities.  

Also in “The Letter”, the idea of falling in love outside your social class is introduced. Marjane’s maid, Mehri, falls in love with Marjane’s neighbor, Hossein. However, when Hossein got word that Mehri was a maid, both Hossein and Marjane’s father disapproved of the love. This goes back to fundamentalist ideas of Islam and how it conflicts with the modern, changing views of the religion. Class structure is a part of their culture and it is odd that even Marjane’s father, in support of the revolution, disapproves of love outside of one’s social class. This only further proves that many people’s mindset are very much set in their traditional ways.