The Role of Religion

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they would receive drastic consequences. A form of consequence to one’s self became “hitting themselves, as one of the country’s rituals. During certain religious ceremonies, some people flagellated themselves brutally. Sometimes with chains. It could go very far” (96). This form of self harm became atrocious and utterly overbearing to see as illustrated in the novel.

The closer society and religion tries to bring someone to God, the further it takes them away from him. Marji states, “I want to go too. Don’t you think I look like Che Guevara? Maybe I’ll be even better as Fidel Castro! Where are you? Are you there?” (16) Marji’s earlier requests to take part in the demonstrations and her want to be like these fundamentalist leaders reflects the world’s persuasion upon her true faith. The society she lives in wants her to be conformed to the strict and heavy bearing regulations of the fanatic country of Iran. This causes the detriment of Marji’s God. God asked Marji, “Marji, what seems to be the problem?.” Marji answers by yelling, “Shut up you! Get out of my life!!! I never want to see you again! Get out!” (70) The formulas of the fundamentalist country overcame Marji to where her faith was nearly lost.

All in all , religion specifically affected Marji and her country positively and negatively. Satrapi’s autobiography defends some religious practices, but overall claims and proves that the obscure actions of society is one of the main stimulants to the loss of authentic faith.

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