In our recent ASTU class, our focus has shifted towards the profound impact of graphic narratives, particularly exemplified by Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis.
In the essay “The Art of Retracing in Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis,” literary scholar Hillary Chute opts for the term “graphic narrative” over “graphic novel” to emphasize the personal perspective embedded in these stories. Chute argues that the visual elements of graphic narratives, which often convey the political dimensions of censorship, bring attention to thoughts that may be silenced in written form. These narratives have the unique ability to reveal individuals who might otherwise remain invisible but, through visual representation, become strikingly visible.
While I resonate with Chute’s perspective on the impact of graphic narratives, I believe they serve another crucial purpose – igniting readers’ interest in specific themes within the novel. In works like Persepolis, the illustrations offer a clear window into the author’s vision. Comics, with their reliance on visual elements, succinctly communicate intricate details, making them an appealing and lighter alternative to text-heavy literature. This characteristic, in my opinion, contributes significantly to the widespread success of “Persepolis.” Its child-centric narrative portrays harsh realities with minimal verbal description, making it more accessible and palatable to readers. Consider, for instance, the image linked below, depicting a scene of torture in prison from Persepolis (p.52)
http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2013/04/persepolis-choosing-is-not-the-same-as-censoring/
The image, describing the brutal death of Marji’s father’s friend, would be portrayed differently through words, evoking a vivid and gruesome mental image. Yet, the child’s perspective in the illustration softens the impact, providing a nuanced representation of a sensitive topic like war and its consequences.
War remains a challenging subject that many shy away from discussing or studying due to its sensitive nature. However, it is crucial to cultivate awareness about it, considering the irreversible trauma it inflicts. Persepolis, with its graphic effects, serves as a gateway for readers to engage with this challenging topic more comfortably. The narrative’s visual elements create an opportunity for readers to contemplate the Islamic revolution and, perhaps, inspire a deeper exploration of this complex historical event.
Yuka,
I like that you explained how this genre makes it easier for the reader to understand what images the author tries to portray. I think that a lot of books could benefit from this genre, especially when it is difficult to imagine, like you said, the little details.