Persepolis Socioeconomic Class Essay - 1616 Words

According to the American Psychological Association, â€Å"socioeconomic status encompasses not just income but also educational attainment, financial security, and subjective perceptions of social status and social class† (APA). Therefore, socioeconomic class greatly influences health, education, and opportunities. In some instances, these influences can be positive while in other negative. In the graphic novel Persepolis we see the life of a young girl who grows up during the Islamic revolution. Throughout the graphic novel there many aspects that shine light on the main characters socioeconomic class and how she benefits from it. Likewise, in the short story Hands we see a major theme of socioeconomic class, however, in this case the author†¦show more content†¦Her fathers reactions demonstrates how much the family benefits from their status and how detrimental it would be for them to lower their class. One of the most powerful chapters in Persepolis was â€Å"The Key†. Not only did the dialog between Marjane, her mother, and the maid make a powerful statement but also, the images and their placement. Marjane indicates, â€Å"The key to paradise was for poor people. Thousands of young kids, promised a better life, exploded on the minefields with their keys around their necks. Mrs. Nasrine’s son managed to avoid that fate, but lots of other kids from his neighborhood did not† (Satrapi, 102). Since these children’s opportunities and education were so limited, paradise gave them a sense of hope. Therefore, children of lower socioeconomic classes were more vulnerable and willing to do anything not only to better their situation, but also their families. I think Marjane places an emphasis on Mrs. Nasrine’s son in order to demonstrate the differences in social class, that is, Mrs. Nasrine being of lower status and Marjane’s family being of a higher class. Marjane notes the distinction between the social cl asses as she says, â€Å"the poor people† and â€Å"his neighborhood† indicating she is not part of that group. As a matter of fact, while they keys to paradise were handed out and thousands of children were being killed, Marjane