Persepolis - Marjane & Her Grandmother

Is Marjane Different? + What led to Marjane's grandmother yelling at her? Was the yelling justified? Why or why not?

In the chapter titled “The Makeup,” Marjane is attempting to fit into Iranian society as a grown woman. It seems that she disagrees with the laws in Iran even more-so now that she has experienced other parts of the world. Couples in Iran who weren’t married were “at risk,” because the law says that having relationships before marriage is illegal (288). Even so, Marjane still did what she wanted to, including going out with a guy while wearing makeup. Marjane still has her rebellious qualities, but she’s fairly different as a person. On pages 285-288, Marjane shows a lack of care for other people and quite a bit of selfishness when she accuses an innocent man of being indecent just to save herself. In the past, she cared a lot about being a hero and saving people, but now, she doesn’t seem to put much thought towards that. The fact that Marjane doesn’t feel real remorse until talking to her grandmother shows that she is not the same anything like her old-self who dreamt of being a prophet and a hero.

On page 291, she speaks with her grandmother and tells her of the incident. Marjane laughs it off and her grandmother is fuming. Marjane’s actions don’t not align with anything that her family has fought for over the years. Her grandmother even calls Marjane a “selfish bitch,” which shocks Marjane. Focusing specifically on the last part of the prompt, I do believe that the scolding from Marjane’s grandmother was entirely justifiable. Marjane was fortunate enough to leave Iran and experience freedom, while her family stayed in the war-stricken country. She then comes back and causes an innocent man to be taken by authorities just to cover herself for wearing makeup. I believe Marjane’s actions were irrational, selfish, and entirely wrong. Her grandmother had every right to scold Marjane for acting in this way.