Surviving Repression: Persepolis

Lesson 8
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ELA

Unit 4

8th Grade

Lesson 8 of 22

Objective


Identify and explain the basic features of graphic novels in order to evaluate the effectiveness of graphic novels as a medium for presenting a memoir.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi  pp. 3 – 5 — and "Introduction"

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A Note for Teachers


As a part of intellectual preparation for this lesson, consider reviewing the following resources on how to read graphic novels and why we teach them:

Target Task


Discussion & Writing Prompt

Why do you think Satrapi chose the medium of a graphic novel for her memoir? Identify at least two examples of information that the first chapter conveys effectively, and use these to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of this medium for presenting her story.

Sample Response

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Key Questions


  • Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using printed text in paragraph form to present the topic of changes in Iran in the "Introduction" to Persepolis. Provide examples to support your answer.

  • How did life change for Marji in 1980 as a result of the Islamic Revolution? How did she feel about these changes? Provide examples from the text and images on pages 3–4 to support your answer.

  • Study the final panel on page 5. How does Satrapi use illustrations to develop the reader’s understanding of the political situation in 1980? Provide specific details from the illustration to support your answer.

Vocabulary


Literary Terms

panel

a single drawing depicting a specific moment in a comic, generally contained within a square or rectangular frame

frame

the edge or outlined border of a specific panel in a comic

narrative box

a rectangle or square—often at the top or bottom of a panel—in which the narrator of a comic shares information with readers

gutter

the space between panels in a comic

thought bubble

a (generally) cloud-shaped outline within a comic panel that contains a character's unspoken thoughts

speech bubble

a (generally) circular or oval outline within a comic panel that contains a character's dialogue and indicates who is speaking

Text-based

obligatory

adj.

(p. 3)

mandated; forced; required by law or duty

decadence

n.

(p. 4)

a condition of having fallen from something superior to something inferior; the state of having decayed or deteriorated

Homework


To ensure that students are prepared for the next lesson, have students complete the following reading for homework. Use guidance from the next lesson to identify any additional language or background support students may need while independently engaging with the text.

  • Book: Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi  pp. 6 – 17

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • What new interest of Marji's takes priority over her interest in religion?

  • What does the chapter title "The Bicycle" mean?

  • What happens at the Rex Cinema?

  • How does Marji respond when she hears that there will be demonstrations in the street? How do her parents respond?

Notes for Teachers

Tonight's reading contains a description of a fire at a movie theater that kills 400 people. Page 15 depicts people being burned alive.

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Common Core Standards


  • RI.8.7 — Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using different mediums (e.g., print or digital text, video, multimedia) to present a particular topic or idea.

Supporting Standards

L.8.6
RI.8.1
RI.8.2
RI.8.4
RI.8.5
RI.8.10
SL.8.1
SL.8.6
W.8.1.a
W.8.2
W.8.2.b
W.8.4
W.8.9
W.8.9.b
W.8.10

Next

Explain how Satrapi uses words and images together to develop the reader's understanding of significant characters and events.

Lesson 9
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