This is the fourth in a series of lesson plans based around the graphic novel “Persepolis” by Marjane Satrapi.
Vocabulary
Here is some of the vocabulary that students had difficulty with from this chapter.
to be ashamed – to feel regret or embarrassment
to take in – strange choice of verb in the text as it is used in the context of Marji’s grandmother taking in sewing. Here is means to start doing an activity. I advised my students to use “take up” instead.
sewing – students had problems with pronunciation, stress that the verb “to sew” is pronounced the same as “so”.
verbs that collocate with “a promise” – make a promise, break a promise, keep a promise.
“the population couldn’t have cared less” – useful, common expression meaning not to care.
cemetery – place where dead people are buried.
stretcher – equipment to carry an injured person.
widow – wife of a dead man.
Discussion Questions
- What happens in this chapter?
- What new information do we learn?
- How did it make you feel?
- How does the chapter end?
- Why is Marji confused?
- In this chapter we see Marji asking her grandmother to tell her stories of her life. What stories did your grandparents / parents tell you about their lives?
- In this chapter Marji’s grandmother talks about politicians who don’t keep their promises. Do the politicians in your country keep theirs? Can you think of any examples of promises they have kept and broken?
- Marji’s Dad bravely tries to take photos of the demonstrations. How important is this kind of action?
- Can you think of any famous war correspondents? Or famous war photography?
- How do people document demonstrations and revolutions nowadays?
- How has this activity changed since the time Persepolis was written?
Next week chapter 5: The Letter
