Persepolis vs Venezuela

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 6

Persepolis vs Venezuela

Learning Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will understand and discuss the similarities and differences between the historical, political, and cultural context of Persepolis (Iran) and modern Venezuela. They will explore themes of revolution, authoritarianism, social change, and the role of personal narrative in shaping national identity.

Planning

• Introduction & background
•  Literary & historical analysis (in groups)
• Guiding questions to prepare presentations
• Group presentations

Literary & Historical Analysis

Themes in Persepolis:

• Revolution and its aftermath: The rise of the Islamic regime, impact on women, censorship, and loss of personal freedom.
• Personal freedom vs. state control: Marjane’s struggle for autonomy and the regime’s oppressive policies.

• Cultural identity and exile: The experience of living in exile, cultural dislocation.

Themes in Venezuela's History:

• Revolution and authoritarianism: Chávez’s revolution and how it mirrored populist and socialist policies that led to political repression and centralization of power.
• Economic collapse: Impact on everyday citizens, restriction of personal freedoms, mass migration, and censorship.
• Cultural identity and resistance: How Venezuelans in the diaspora struggle to maintain cultural identity.

Prepare presentations

Identify similarities in the experiences of individuals in both contexts.

Groups should focus on:

• Government repression
• Personal freedom and identity
• Impact of revolution on the people

Guiding questions

1. How do the personal stories of Marjane in Persepolis and individuals in Venezuela illustrate the impact of political change on everyday life?
2. In what ways are the revolutionary ideologies of Iran and Venezuela similar? How are they different?
3. How do economic sanctions and internal corruption affect people's lives in Iran (post-revolution) and Venezuela?
4. How does personal identity evolve under an authoritarian regime in both countries?

Group Presentations

Homework

Write a reflective essay comparing a specific event or theme in Persepolis with Venezuela's current political situation, focusing on how individuals are affected by broader social movements.