Panel/Quote Analysis 

Page #: 8 Panel #: 5

Panel description or any quoted text:

“And so went the revolution in my country”

CONTEXT ​(2 sentences minimum) – give a complete summary of what is happening at this point in the
story / summarize plot

At this point in the book, the main character has decided to become a revolutionary leader rather than
a prophet when she grew up. The revolution had just begun and young children, despite being
immersed in a world full of violence, were oblivious to the danger and simply wanted to be part of the
action. Marjane is playing pretend with her boy friends and they are speaking words of wisdom which
include “the revolution is like a bicycle, when the wheels don’t turn it falls”. Nevertheless, in the next
panel, there are a multitude of people on a bike and the wheels are definitely not turning because no
one’s feet are even close to the pedals.

ANALYSIS ​(4 sentences minimum) - Determine which aspect (text, graphic weight, figures) is the most
interesting to analyze and explain the significance or focus on a particular literary element (symbolism,
characterization, theme, etc.) to analyze.

In panel 8, the use of the metaphor and dry humor to depict her country’s revolution is evident
through the numerous amount of people drawn into the image. This is indicative of the revolution in
her country because although there are plenty of civilians rebeling, none of them are working together
or know where to begin. This relates to the idea of being unable to ‘pedal’ in the right path because
every time someone begins to get on the bike, another person wants to jump on the same bike; the
revolution was similar to this because there was no organization to hold the rebellion strong. The
people’s eyes having no pupils is significant because it is another metaphor exposing the fact that
although people were aware of the rebellion, they either chose to turn the other cheek and not look at
the facts before them, or they simply could not see the right direction they needed to head in.
Moreover, the dark graphic surrounded the people outlined in white reveals how the revolutionaries
were surrounded by this dark confusion and could not see the correct direction they needed to travel.

CONNECTION ​(2 sentences minimum) - Explain how the panel is significant to a bigger meaning in the
chapter/novel.

This panel is significant to a bigger meaning in the chapter because it reveals how disunited the country
was at this time, the revolutionaries being the emphasized group in this case. It also reveals how
Marjane is discovering more about the revolution around her. Prior to this she emphasized her
prophetic and religious side; now she focused on her revolutionary side within her. She is discovering
more of her identity. In addition, the allusions to other revolutionary leaders in earlier panels shows the
 hypocrisy of other countries as other countries were able to have revolutionary changes but they did
experience as much bigotry as Iran.

Analysis - Sentence stems to use when analyzing the graphic novel

- In panel ___, the character/situation is portrayed as _________________through the author’s use of [elements].
- The use of the element _____________ in panel _______ suggests ________________.
- The purpose of the element in panel ___________ is to ________________.
Analysis Example:​ In panel one, the author uses (puts next to each other) heavy graphic weight and light graphic weight. The women
in support of the veil are represented by the heavy graphic weight, while the protesters are drawn in the light graphic weight. Satropi
uses this element to suggest that one side has a negative feeling (the veil) and the other side has a positive feeling (freedom). The
author’s bias towards freedom is seen because of the light graphic weight she gives to the people demonstrating against the veil.