PersepolisLesson 3: Fundamentalism

L.O.Understanding how life changed after the Islamic

revolution

• What do you know about what is (im)possible in Iran?

• Can you tell me what is not allowed in the Islamic Republic of Iran?

Starter:

This is not allowed:• Public displays of affection.

• Following above, any touching between men and women who are not immediate family is illicit (no handshakes in business meetings, or hugging a friend goodbye).

• Heading in tune to the music, dancing, tapping away, or any physical expression of music.

• Use of toxic substances of any form (alcohol, marijuana, etc.)• Wearing inappropriate clothing (for men: anything other than trousers and

shirts & women anything that leaves any part of the body uncovered except those which corresponds to the government official's reading of Islam (the hands from wrist to the fingertips, the face, and the feet, from the ankles to the toes).

• Wearing clothing that suggests the shape of your body, whether you are male or female.

• Wearing too much make-up for women is often a sure way to get disciplined (in the form of being publicly admonished, usually, which in itself is usually embarrassing enough on its own).

• Wearing any sort of make-up by men.• Having strange or unorthodox hairdos and haircuts.• Playing music in public without having an official writ allowing you to do so.• Mixed gatherings of any sort wherein the Islamic code is not observed is

strictly prohibited and has dire consequences for the involved parties, should they be discovered.

• During Ramadan (which is a holy month in Islam) you cannot drink or eat in public while there is light in the sky and have to wait for sundown.

• The first chapter of the novel clearly shows Marjane not understanding why the veil was introduced.

• On page 74 we read the reasons the Ayatollah and his government give for enforcing the veil.

• Find the reason and give your opinion on this.

Why the

veil?

The impact on Marjane’s life

• What are the effects of the new government on the lives of the Satrapi family? Find them in pp 72-117

• Veil (‘The Trip’)• Their carefree lifestyle Parties &

Alcohol (‘The Wine’)• Changing attitude toward Marjane

(‘The Cigarette (p.117)’ / ‘The trip (p.76)’)

• War! (‘The F-14s’ / ‘The Jewels’ / ‘The Key’ )

Answer the following questions in pairs1. Why did the government air the original

National anthem? What effect does it have on Marjane and her father?

2. Why do Marji and her father’s interpretation of the Ian-Iraq War differ?

3. How does Pardisse feel about her father’s heroism and what does that tell you about Pardisse’s ideals?

4. How does the war affect supplies and people’s relationships as a result of scarcity?

5. What do you think of the way the Iranian army got boys to sign up?

• Can you connect the following concepts:1. What happens in ‘the key’ to the discussion of class

societies.2. Marjane’s idea that smoking shows you are grown

up to the example her parents set.3. Marjane’s smoking rebellion to the conflicting

messages in her upbringing.

Connecting ideas