Persepolis Warfare Quotes

Marji gets a little wrapped up in Iranian nationalism, which isn't exactly a bad thing. She also has to grapple with the fact that her father can be a hero without going to war. In fact, fighting wouldn't even be the best place for her father since he's an intellectual. He shows us that there's room for more than just brute force even when a country is at war.

This is a good quote, but we have to ask, does it really? Haven't they been expecting war the whole time, what with all the political turmoil? Is it just the act of war that takes you by surprise, like the bomb that almost kills your family?

War often starts out small and escalates. The Iraqi bombers didn't directly affect Marji's family's lives until they changed their focus to Tehran, which is where they live. Although the family hides in the basement, they also start rebelling more at this time. Maybe the closer war hits to home, the stronger your reaction is.