The Complete Persepolis #3

In amidst of the strict rules, war, and the bombing of their street in Iran, Marjane’s parents decide what they feel is best for their daughter, is to send her to Austria where she can continue her education in safety. Although Iran and Austria are not very far away, the differences between the two countries are very drastic. A prime example of a major difference between the two countries is shown when Marjane goes to the super market for the first time by herself. In this super market, she is overwhelmed. She writes, “It had been four years since I’d seen such a well-stocked store”. (page 160) She spends a great amount of time smelling the laundry detergent because in Iran they were not allowed. This simple trip to the grocery store shows how drastic her move was from Iran to Austria, it also displays how strict the laws back home were, where scented detergent wasn’t even allowed. Another huge difference was of course, the language barrier. We notice this right away when Marjane meets her new roommate, Lucia, on page 161. They say hello to one another but it is only until Marjane learns German that they can finally have a full conversation, and later, become friends. As Marjane grows up in Austria she goes through a lot of physical changes from ages fourteen to nineteen. She now had a “punk” aesthetic, which she really admired when she lived back in Iran. With this new look it gives her the freedom to dress and style herself however she pleases, while before, she was chastised for even wearing basketball shoes out in public. The freedom Marjane now has is very obvious.