Jaheim Wilson
Translation Essay
Course 2400 (Prof. Scanlan)
March,29,2022
The Translation Of Persepolis
Translating famous novels and books into works of media is a very flexible process. There are many different ways devoted readers show and express their favorite pieces of literature. They could copy the book exactly as written, or change slight details while still staying faithful to the book. Or they could twist the book around and express it in their own artistic way. These are known as literal, traditional, and radical translations. Every reader has their own idea and opinion of a book’s idea and message. This truly shows how the nature of film translations is an art in of itself. This idea is best shown in the novel “The Complete Persepolis” and the film Persepolis, directed by Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud. This is through a literal translation.
In “The Complete Persepolis” the main characters are Marjane Satrapi and her family. Mainly focusing on her father, mother, and grandma. The setting mostly takes place within Iraq. The strong bonds between Marji and her family play a major part in her ideologies and how she functions within the story. I believe one of the strongest relationships was between her and Uncle Anoosh, and his heartbreaking end. Within the book, he was extremely important to Marji. Marji admired him and was extremely eager to listen to his ideas and past. While Anoosh viewed her as a daughter he never had. The movie absolutely nailed this relationship and his bitter end. It showed their connection and utilized the two bread swan ducks which is a key symbol for this. Just as the book did. But I believed the movie made his death much grimmer. By first utilizing fading when Marji and Uncle Anoosh embrace each other one last time. Next making the bread swan stronger by showing them swimming together and through the miserable non-diegetic music. These all combine to make the scene much bleaker and sadder.
Another really strong scene between the film and novel was the confrontation between Marji and those in the cafe verbally harassing her. This is shown through the exchange concept of redemption. Mainly thought of the idea of fighting for her heritage. Throughout her time in Austria, she often is miserable having to suppress her culture in order to fit in. And facing constant harassment for it. But in this scene, she feels proud standing against that hate, and protecting who she is. That is why she was so happy doing this. She felt she protected her heritage while heeding her grandmother’s words of staying true to herself, and never forgetting where she came from. But I believed the movie made this scene stronger by having an image of her grandma speaking to her. Really conveying how much Marji valued her advice and the joy that she was able to honor it.
Finally, the last scene that I wish to hone in on is the scene when Marji’s grandmother forgives her for sending an innocent man to jail. Marji greatly values the relationship with her grandmother. She loves and greatly values her. When Marji angers her she is greatly saddened and does whatever she can to mend their relationship. In both, the book and movie Marji speaks up to the examiner in her art school. Stating the hypocrisy when it comes to uniforms for women compared to men. But the movie missed out on one important fact. That the examiner made her re-design the school uniform for women because she spoke up. The design was a short headscarf with wide trousers. It gave women some independence even if it was subtle. This fact really impresses her grandmother and gives Marji more respect from her. While showing she has guts. And then they reconcile. This detail is key.
In conclusion, this is an example of how a powerful novel can be translated into amazing works of media. The relationship between the novel “The Complete Persepolis” by Marjane Satrapi and the film Persepolis, directed by Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud is through a literal translation. This is the story of a girl figuring out her identity and where she fits in a big world.
