DEPICTION OF ISLAMIC REVOLUTION OF 1979 IN MARJANE SATRAPI’S PERSEPOLIS

The Islamic Revolution of 1979 has occupied a prominent place in the history of Iran. Needless to say, it not only left an indelible mark on the culture but also on the societal structure of Iran. The Revolution, in general, is viewed as a mass movement, which gained enormity due to conscious efforts of the working class and the clergy in opposition of the monarchial state under Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi. Backed by the US government, the regime of Shah was extremely influenced by its western policies due to which he showed his inclinations towards modernizing and secularizing the country which was hard pill for the Iranians to swallow, thus causing immense dissent and instability among the people at large. Undeniably, the revolution has always been much debated subject of scholarly research; however, the issue has remained unexplored in the field of graphic novel. The paper aims to study the Islamic Revolution of 1979 in the graphic novel Persepolis in the light of social, cultural and religious dimensions. Drawing upon the historical and political background of revolution, the study also articulates the struggle of Marji, the chief protagonist, who is torn between the ideological conflict of monarchial state and religion.