The Representation of God and Governement in Persepolis

A prevalent theme within Persepolis is the constant presence of God and religion. Firstly, Marjane believes that she is the next prophet, calling herself the "Celestial Light." (Satrapi, 6) She makes a list of reasons why she wants to be one and goes so far as to write a book of the rules she wants people to follow. Her prophetic desires stems from her being "born with the religion." (Satrapi, 6) The way she was raised by her family had a heavy influence on her way of life when she was young as many children were raised in a heavily Islamic country. However, as the graphic novel continues to tell the story, Marjane seems to find her own way and slowly separate herself from religion through various influences. A point in the graphic novel where this occurs is when Marjane avoids the subject of her becoming a prophet during one of her meetings with God. At one point in the conversation, she ignores God and tells him to be quiet as though she is starting to shut herself away from God. Her relationship with God is strained from here on out when he does not appear in Marjane's time of need and says "God, where are  you?"Another example of this is when Marjane tells her dad that her school and teachers tell her that the Shah was chosen by God, which shows how influential the institution of school was at the time. When her father tells her a different story of how the Shah came to power, Marjane still tries to justify her understanding by saying "Maybe God helped them nevertheless" (Satrapi, 22). Although Marjane words seem to support this idea, the image tells the true nature of Marjane. Her solemn face and laying down as though submitting to the idea that God doesn't control everything is told through the picture and shows how the true story of the Shah's rise to power had shaken her faith and her belief system. This leads to her falling even more from her faith. Finally, she breaks all ties with God when her Uncle Anoosh is murdered by the government and Marjane comes to the conclusion that God doesn't do anything good in her life. She tells him to get out of her life and that she never wants to see her again. The next image shows Marjane floating aimlessly in space and that she "was lost, without any bearings... What could be worse that that?" (Satrapi, 71). God was her one stronghold in the world and now that she lost it, she doesn't feel like she has a purpose anymore. This whole transformation from devoted to her faith, to the slow decline in not being able to answer certain events with the understanding of God's benevolence, and the finale of finally exempting herself from God mirrors the situation of the government in Iran. It was originally run by various religious leaders and the people followed them blindly, which was represented by Marjane's steadfast belief and faith in God. But, the people started to doubt their leadership and motives which led to a revolution, as Marjane had a revolution in thought in her belief system. Finally, the choice of Marjane to reject God is symbolic of the overthrow of the religious leaders with the intent of implementing more secular leaders.