
Imagery and symbolism are often used to help the reader interpret a work of literature and gain a better understanding of the novel as a whole. However, it is important to note that not all readers will interpret the same novel in the same way. Therefore, the imagery and symbols present in works of literature contribute to the differing interpretations that readers may uphold.  In the short story “Persepolis,” the author’s use of visual images, and visual elements such as color, symbols and perspective helps the reader grasp a clear understanding on what is occurring in the story. 

The author’s use of color aids the reader in visualizing when and where the story took place. The colors that were used throughout the first chapter of Persepolis were black and white. The use of these colors lead me to interpret that this short story took place a long time ago back when everything was in black and white ink. The use of the color black helps the reader rectify that the short story is set in the dreadful and fearful period of the Islamic Revolution and the Iran-Iraq war. The utilization of the colors black and white also portrays the separation and detachment from one’s society, and the oppression that people faced during this time period. Also, the images present in chapter 1 are defined and the colors are truly black and white with no other colors in between; therefore, creating the idea that there are no uncertainties in their society, and everything in their life is known and defined. However, not everything in life is known and defined and you will experience uncertainties. The images relate to the idea of realism, a theory of writing in which the ordinary, familiar, or mundane aspects of life are represented in a straightforward or matter-of-fact manner that is presumed to reflect life as it actually is. Our distorted vision of reality does not seem to match the narrator’s definite sense of reality, which raises the question of how well the reader can actually relate and interpret the short story as a whole. 

The author’s use of symbols in this short story contributes to how the reader interprets and relates to the story altogether. One reoccurring symbol in “Persepolis,” is the veil that all of the women had to wear during this time period in Iran. The veil symbolizes the oppression and suffering that the women in Iran faced during the Islamic Revolution, and the citizens restraints of self- expression by the new Islamic Government.. The veil also portrays Satrapi’s hidden identity and the difference from how she views herself and how she was perceived by others in her society. One of the images in the short story depicts a group of women wearing the veils shouting “the veil, the veil,” and another group of women not wearing the veils shouting “freedom, freedom.” During this time period there were very diverse group of women who upheld differing views on the new Islamic Regime and religion in their society. The women wearing the veils are not allowed to express themselves; therefore, their true identity and character are not shown. However, the women not wearing the veils are allowed to express themselves in their true manner and their own identity and character are portrayed through their actions and beliefs. 

The way people perceive you will not always be the way that you perceive yourself. Perception is a way of regarding, understanding, or interpreting something, and the each reader alone can develop different perceptions about someone or a certain topic which makes each reader’s perception unique and personal. The start of the Islamic Revolution was a major turning point for all of the citizens in the society Marjane inhabits. One group of women is perceived as “free” and expressive, while another group of women are perceived as “trapped” and expressionless. The restraint of the newfound society plays a major role in how women were observed in Iran during this period of time. However, it is important to understand that one’s perspective and judgment about you does not define who you are as a person as long as you know who you truly are and what you believe in. Therefore, the veils that the women have to wear do not define them fully as a person, and they can still grow accustomed to their newly found lifestyle and learn to express themselves in a new and creative way.

The utilization of visual images and elements, such as color, symbols, and perspective contribute to the way a reader interprets a work of literature. Every reader will not obtain the same views about a novel they read, which makes everyone’s interpretations more unique and personal. Therefore, in “Persepolis,” not all women are going to be perceived in the same way to every reader, and new judgments and interpretations are going to be made about the new Islamic Regime in Iran. However, those differing perspectives and judgments do not have to define you as person unless you let them.  