Marjane Satrapi's Growing Up
My autobiographical graphic novel Growing Up explores the impact of childhood events my development into young adulthood. The novel highlights the importance of my interactions with various people, ranging from loved ones to complete strangers, in shaping my transition into the person I am today.
Bullies illustrates my discovery of those who inflict harm through a nightmarish memory of childhood bullying, and the intense suffering I endured. To depict this, I emulated the graphic novel Persepolis, by Marjane Satrapi in my work. Specifically, drawing upon the first person narration of a child, seen throughout Persepolis, compounded by the unrefined, child-like voiceover handwriting, forming a voice for the protagonist’s fragile, callow
emotions, and the naivety of childhood.
Through an ingenuous child, the panel shows the severity of the suffering endured from bullying. Using juxtaposition of two conflicting symbols of iniquity and innocence: the bully’s mangled hand and the delicate candy; the filthy, black fingernails connoting malice, whereas the candy motif symbolizes endearing, guiltless children, the reader’s compassion is inclined to the protagonist. Working in tandem is the graphic weight of the hand clutching the candy; exaggerated in size for emphasis and splashing out from the frame, it dominates the foreground, demonstrating the intensity of the taunting for a young child. The intimidating characterization of the bully is further supplemented by the depiction of sinister facial features: animal-like, pointed teeth, presenting the bully as a monster, paired with a nefarious grin, upturned at the corners. This contrasts strongly with my consequential expression, under a shadow of despair, with a teardrop emanata, adding to my forlorn appearance with connotations of misery, reinforcing the violent psychological impact of bullying.
Examining the influence of childhood experiences on personal development, this panel cements the emotional distress and lasting trauma for victims of childhood bullying.
Bullies illustrates my discovery of those who inflict harm through a nightmarish memory of childhood bullying, and the intense suffering I endured. To depict this, I emulated the graphic novel Persepolis, by Marjane Satrapi in my work. Specifically, drawing upon the first person narration of a child, seen throughout Persepolis, compounded by the unrefined, child-like voiceover handwriting, forming a voice for the protagonist’s fragile, callow
emotions, and the naivety of childhood.
Through an ingenuous child, the panel shows the severity of the suffering endured from bullying. Using juxtaposition of two conflicting symbols of iniquity and innocence: the bully’s mangled hand and the delicate candy; the filthy, black fingernails connoting malice, whereas the candy motif symbolizes endearing, guiltless children, the reader’s compassion is inclined to the protagonist. Working in tandem is the graphic weight of the hand clutching the candy; exaggerated in size for emphasis and splashing out from the frame, it dominates the foreground, demonstrating the intensity of the taunting for a young child. The intimidating characterization of the bully is further supplemented by the depiction of sinister facial features: animal-like, pointed teeth, presenting the bully as a monster, paired with a nefarious grin, upturned at the corners. This contrasts strongly with my consequential expression, under a shadow of despair, with a teardrop emanata, adding to my forlorn appearance with connotations of misery, reinforcing the violent psychological impact of bullying.
Examining the influence of childhood experiences on personal development, this panel cements the emotional distress and lasting trauma for victims of childhood bullying.