This document provides guidance for students to analyze the graphic novel Persepolis and write an essay. It includes discussion questions about whether comics can be considered art or literature. Students are instructed to take notes on statements about Persepolis and formulate proper PEA responses using evidence from the novel. The essay assignment asks students to argue whether comics can create truly great works of literature, using Persepolis as evidence to prove their answer. Outline points are provided for students to address the characters, plot, themes/message, and use of language in the graphic novel.

1. Lesson 14: Persepolis - Art,
Literature or Both??
L.O. exploring the assets of the graphic novel and practicing essay
writing

2. True or False?
Read the statements made
in these images (also see
final page of the booklet).
Do you agree?
Write down your thoughts
(properly PEA formulated,
using Persepolis as your
evidence) on these issues.

3. :

4. Do you agree?
Read the statement made
in this panel. Do you think
this is true?
Where does Marjane
Satrapi’s Graphic Novel fit?
Biography? Historical
fiction? Coming of Age?
Realism? All of these?

5. Write your essay
• In the coming week your homework will be to write an essay on Persepolis
using the essay question below (and the notes your took while brainstorming
the matters on the previous slides).
• To enhance your understanding of the novel & give you an even better set of
revision notes, we will be listening to the group lectures coming week as well.
The lesson after the last lecture, your essay is due.
• ESSAY QUESTION: Can comics be used to create truly great works of
literature? Use Persepolis to prove your answer.

6.  I. The characters: who, what, why & how
represented in the graphic novel?
 II.The plot: what happens and how is this
significant?
 III.The themes & message: what is she telling us,
how, why and where exactly?
 IV.The use of language in the text (think outside
the box with a graphic novel, use the booklet!)
Type of language used to get message across /
Language used to characterise / Language used to
create the setting & Effect of language used?