Real Hero Called Father (edited)

“KABOOM!!!” “Run!!!” “Down with the King!!!!!” Age of revolution is inevitably chaotic. Likewise  Iranian Revolution was very chaotic. Also, there is a book about that chaotic revolution. "Persepolis" is the book that was written by Marjane Satrapi who is an Iranian-born French novelist as well as illustrator. It was originally published in French, and it has been translated into several languages including English. It is divided into two books and the first book that I read is about Marjane’s childhood and the second book is about the story from her high school life to moving to France. “Persepolis” also has a film version. And it was nominated for 2007 Academy Award. The book "Persepolis" has many characters inside. All the characters play important roles in this book. Among them, I choose to write about Marjane's father. He is a brave person. He got almost arrested by government because he engaged in the demonstration and took a picture of it even though it was strictly forbidden at that time. He is also being strict and hypocritical sometimes like the incident about their maid, which make Marjane confused. However the most important thing is Marjane’s father plays a role of her hero because he always stands beside her and gives her comfort and courage to live and make her own voice.

The first reason why I think he is a hero is because he is “a hero” which Marjane wants. At first, she didn’t think he was “a hero” but later on she realized that her father was a hero. According to the book, one of Marjane’s friends said “I wish he were alive and in jail rather than dead and a hero” (Satrapi 86). Her father was martyr which means a hero died for the country. However she wanted her father to be with her rather than be a hero. Because death of father was really hard to tolerate to young girl. After Marjane listened to that, she realized. Unlike her father, Marjane’s father is always with Marjane and do her favor. He told her story of the history and about their family. Marjane was really interested in that kind of story so afterward, he kept telling her fun story next to her. In addition, when he and his wife decided to go to travel to Turkey, Marjane asked them to buy westernized culture stuffs such as Michael Jackson badge, denim jacket, newest Nike sneakers and posters of American singers. Those were highly banned products and if they were exposed, it could be lead to serious problem but he took a risk and bought them for her. That is all because he loved Marjane so much.

Another reason is because he tried to give her comfort and courage. At last of the book, he decided to send Marjane to Austria because he worried so much about her safety in this country. Of course, Marjane didn’t want to go with giving the reason she is too young to go alone. He said to her that he truly believes her that she will do it valiantly rather than convince her logically. “We adore you! Don’t ever forget who you are!” (Satrapi, 148) he said to Marjane in order to give her sincere mind of him which made Marjane comfortable and courageous. On the way of airport and in front of the door, the only person who crying was her father. Not only at the airport but also every time Marjane said that she wants to do a threatening things, he truly worried and tried to prevent it. Furthermore, when Marjane's teacher said her dream is inappropriate, he didn't care and rather he understood her. I think that beliefs of her father on Marjane made her to be outspoken and independent.

Marjane’s father is a person who gives comfort to Marjane just for standing beside. He is “a hero” and “a true father” to Marjane. He is being friendly but sometimes being strict, he even makes me curious about if there is any father like him in this world. To be honest, there are not so many of his part in this book. However his impression is big enough to distinguish. If Marjane’s father was one of a hero of country, what would Marjane’s future be?



Works Cited
Satrapi, Marjane. Persepolis: The Story Of A Childhood
New York, NY: Pantheon Books, 2003