Persepolis is a graphic memoir by Marjane Satrapi. The book has received numerous awards and citations for its realistic and well-written storyline as well as its commitment against totalitarianism. Satrapi writes (and draws) his life during the war between Iran and Iraq. It has both literal and symbolic meanings hidden among the drawings, as it also shows the difficulties she faced in other countries and even, at times, in her home country of Iran. This helps show the past and somewhat present views of Iranians and others about Iran, its leaders, the war, and the corruption of the Iranian government. Satrapi uses symbolism, anecdotes and a strong motif of the unfair treatment and outlook of Iranians to help create a deep, true, moving and captivating story. Satrapi uses symbolism to give deeper meaning to her stories and make them more moving. Many drawings in memoirs have a deeper meaning that is not immediately apparent, but gives more meaning to the current situation. A good example of a drawing like this is on page 71. The words that accompany the image are "and so I was lost, without any bearings... What could be worse than that?" In the middle of the page is Marji, floating in space, and a loud bubble (probably her mother or father) saying "Marji, run to the basement!" We are bombarded! The bottom cuts back to Marji's point of view, where she simply states, "It was the beginning of the war." » What can the reader learn from it? This is the point in the book where Marji's life begins to lose its goodness. When she says she's lost, she means she doesn't know what to believe. She has just abandoned God (who, unsurprisingly, does not appear for the rest of the book) and lost her one and only Unc...... middle of paper ...... read more about the situation, context, and difficulties faced by Iranians before, during and after the war. Marjane Satrapi used symbolism, anecdote, and motif to advance the plot of her graphic memoir Persepolis. Although the book is on some banned book lists, Persepolis contains many real-world themes and morals. The many accolades the book has received can be partly attributed to Satrapi's use of literary devices. It is a book popularly taught in high school English classes because it often provides one of students' first exposures to Middle Eastern literature. Additionally, it can be used to show the many freedoms, rights and privileges that we take for granted here in the United States. Through happy drawings and sad drawings, Persepolis is a graphic memoir worthy of its recognition that will captivate the reader throughout.