Persepolis Name ______________________________

Study Guide 1 (pp. 3-25) Honors World Literature

MLA CITATION: Note the following format for citing panels within a graphic novel or comic book. For
example, (3/4) refers to page 3, panel 4. The citation (5/1-3) refers to page 5, panels 1 – 3. Panels are
numbered from left to right, top to bottom.

Directions: Answer on a separate sheet of paper. If you can, type your responses, leaving space for additional
notes between each answer.

“The Veil”

1. Contrast Marji’s old school with her new one (after the revolution). What accounts for the differences
between them?
2. Why does Marji’s mom live incognito for a brief time?
3. Consider the 1st panel on page 6. What does Marji’s portrait of herself—how she presents/represents herself
in this picture—tell us about her character?
4. What events or circumstances motivate Marji to want to become a prophet?
5. Even though the story of Persepolis takes place during war, moments of humor are sprinkled throughout the
narrative. Find at least two panels that demonstrate Marji’s sense of humor.
6. Look at the following panels: 6/2, 7/2, 7/5. What similarity do you see? What does this similarity show?

“The Bicycle”

7. Compare and contrast the following panels: 3/1 and 10/1. What similarities and differences do you see?
8. Who are Che Guevara, Fidel, and Trostsky (10/2)? You may need to refer to your social studies textbook or
do some research on the internet. What does Marji and her friends’ “play” tell you about her character?
9. Find a panel that is additive (see McCloud, page 154). How does this panel amplify or elaborate the
message?
10. Find a panel where figure size plays a prominent role.

“The Water Cell”

11. Find an example of a montage (see McCloud, page 154). What effect does the montage technique have on
the panel?
12. Why does Marji become angry with her parents?
13. What significant information does Marji learn about her family’s ancestry?
14. What effect does education have on Marji’s grandfather?
15. Explain the significance of the following panels: 25/8-9. What do these panels tell you about Marji’s
character?

Graphic Analysis

16. Analyze the panels on the reverse side. Use the “Graphic Novel/Comics Terms” handout (#53) as your guide.
Annotate the panels in the margins .Above all, make sure you note what is significant about these panels.