In this memoir in the form of a graphic novel, Marjane Satrapi shares the story of her life in Tehran, Iran from age ten to fourteen. During this period of time (1979-1983), Iran experiences political instability with the fall of the Shah and the implementation of Islamic rule. Through her graphic novel, Satrapi tells about the imprisonments and death of family members, friends, and neighbors, strict rules inflicted on the Iranian people, and her experiences with bombings and attacks on her city. Her family is upfront with her about the circumstances and because of this she is very informed and not afraid to stand up for what's right. Eventually, after she is expelled from a school for striking the principal and conditions in Iran continue to escalate, her parents send her to school in Austria.
As someone who has taught sixth grade social studies, I believe this book would be a great tool to explore the concept of unlimited government. The cruelties and harsh rules brought down upon the Iranians provide excellent examples of the characteristics of unlimited government. The autobiographical and graphic novel format make the topic very accessible to students. A few appearances of profanity could derail this from being incorporated into an assigned curriculum though. Persepolis demonstrates the postconventional level of moral development because Satrapi experiences several times the reality that laws and social rules conflict with what is morally right.
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