The Thing Around Your Neck

The chapter, "The Thing Around Your Neck", is told as if its Akunna's self conscious or voice inside. The voice is reiterating her actions and thought process. The narrator states, "you said okay, no problem" in regards to the family's wishes. There is no use of the words I or she towards the Akunna. The narrator speaks in the past as if she is going over events in thinking of how she can learn or teach. I think the chapter as a second person narrative in regards to Akunna's immigration to America. It starts off with an expectation she had envisioned with Americans owing guns, homes and cars, but the tone reflects that wasn't the case looking back. Through out the chapter we are learning as she did. We are lead down Akunna's life path guided by her reflection. I find Adichie's way of writing this is effortless and moving for a reader. 

We are given hope as did Akunna, but soon turned to a scene of her alone with something there wanting to end her. I think we can see ourselves in this form of writing. We are given hope with a new situation for example college, but as time progresses it's not sunshine because we get consumed by our new surroundings. Akunna is feeling trapped in a tiny, shabby, strange environment; her self conscious tells us this by stating, "something would wrap itself around you neck...nearly choked you". The voice is telling us what happened in Akunna's life at the time, but then continues on with the thing disappearing with time.  We are told of love and a new job for her. This writing is a self reflection, but also a story for us. Possibly, the voice is telling us and Akunna of what happened because possibly, she may not remember. 

Opening the book readers are wondering what is the thing around the neck. I came upon the Akunna's encounter with it and it's so simple to the chapter, but so interesting. I find the whole chapter's point of view fascinating. We are in Akunna's mind process of everything that happened. We see her thought of America soon change into something not so luxurious. We reflect on what she did. We are listening to Akunna's memory speak to us and her about her self survival. 

Persepolis Film

I have never been into graphic novels or comic books. It has always been hard for me to like because I would tend to get bored. So, knowing we would be watching a film set up in this manner made me a little uneasy. But I was also anticipating that it could help me clear up feelings towards the reading. At times I struggled following the history as well as Marjane. I was glad to find that the film did help clear up the plot as well as the character's feelings and actions. I like film because they put characters in movement and you get to hear and see it play out. But it was helpful reading before hand because the book was vey well done; with that I think the movie is well done too. I would assume she helped with the process of creation. In my opinion, it really hasn't left out anything major. The things that stuck out to me in the book have been mentioned in the film. Sadly, with films it can be hard to stop and reflect unlike reading you can put the book down. 

I have enjoyed how the film still uses the work of color or grey scale. It allows emotions to move with the character. It represents Marjane's growing up process. It also can reflect the culture in the background and the events of Iran. Really, I think the scenes follow the book well and enjoy having things explained more. It brings a deeper understanding. 

Persepolis

Identity 

"Veiled and separated" Marji in amongst a revolution that frames her to be veiled and demanded along a religious path (4). This path is not of her choosing because before she was of her own religion. She thought she were to be a prophet; her identity was a prophet, one who was sent to preach for God. As a very young child her life was centered on the Lord and His plan for her. The first few pages show God entering into her view.

But soon her prophet identity was casted away due to the revolution; then God was casted away. She was left empty as her land collapsed around her (71). She was to be veiled from education, expression and protest. There was a certain persona expected of an Iran woman, but Marji lacked that. She soon developed a love for Western culture like music and accessories. But this was disliked by her cities culture, but it was her personal identity.

Her development as a person had been influenced by war and Iran's rulings. In the beginning she believed that God had sent her to help and bring peace amongst her until an important figure was taken from her. Soon anger fled over her in regard to the surroundings. She is torn of the rules inflicted on her, but wants to defend her country. She is against war as well as the revolutions rulings. She is being torn in directions of identity. Her dislike of the rules regarding women make her stand out, but as she grows she starts to conform to her new surroundings in Switzerland. For example, she follows along with tripping, but doesn't enjoy partying. As well she speaks her opinion on war in Iran and outsides the border. Marji battles with her identity of going against the grain or conforming. She is an Iran women who is blessed with nice things, but some things do not agree with the veil.