ENGL 1005 Literature: A Global Perspective

Agenda Overview

• Housekeeping Items
  • General assignment feedback
  • Exam reminder
  • Overview of Persepolis in relation to memory, style, and testimony
  • Possible discussion on Persepolis film trailer (time permitting)

Upcoming Schedule

• This Wednesday:

  • Tutorial session
  • Required: Read assigned material on editing (1 short essay)
  • Bring a "sh*tty first draft" of final paper to share

• Next Monday:

  • Lecture and assigned readings (two poems)

• Next Wednesday:

  • No tutorials, instead an exam review lecture

Final Exam Details

• Course Code: ENGL 1005 (Sec. 2)
• Exam Date and Time: April 12, 2025, at 3:30 PM
• Exam Length: 3 hours
• Location: Dalplex
• Exam Schedule Link: Dalhousie Exam Schedule

Feedback for Final Paper Preparation

1. Evidence:

   • Provide evidence for points made in body paragraphs.
   • Review quote integration from tutorial sessions.

2. Paragraph Structure:

   • Use “signal phrases” for clarity (e.g., "In this paper, I will argue…").
   • Consult "Writing Successful Introductory Paragraphs" for examples.

3. MLA Format:

   • Follow prescribed citation formats.
   • Avoid machine-generated Works Cited entries as they tend to be inaccurate.

Focus on Persepolis

• Persepolis Overview:
  • Examines the graphic memoir style: A blend of memory, truth, testimony, and childhood experiences.
  • Importance of remembering and testifying about history and trauma.
• Memoir Characteristics:
  • Based on the writer's memory and personal experiences. Often perceived as true but presented engagingly.
  • Persepolis is a "graphic memoir" that uses comics to convey deeper narratives.

Memory and Storytelling

• Role of Memory in Persepolis:
  • Central to the narrative; it emphasizes the theme of never forgetting significant past events.
  • Quotation from Satrapi highlighting the importance of remembrance amidst forgetfulness.
  • Echoes the African proverb: “One can forgive but one should never forget”.

Key Themes from Hilary Chute

• Marji's Relationship with Uncle Anoosh:
  • Uncle's execution is a major turning point in Marji’s understanding of her world.
  • “Family memory must not be lost” highlights the importance of remembering painful histories and their impact on identity.

Visual Style in Persepolis

• Artistic Choices:
  • Flat, monochromatic, and simplistic art style create a childlike perspective of trauma.
  • This perspective helps present serious themes with a unique emotional resonance.

Witness and Testimony in Graphic Literature

• Witness:
  • Someone who observes and recounts events; important in the context of lived experience.
• Testimony:
  • A document affirming truth and specific realities.
  • Combines personal narrative with broader social-historical connections.

Graphic Novel as a Form of Witnessing

• Visual Narration:
  • Merges words and images to create a multi-faceted narrative.
  • Encourages readers to see the world through the author's eyes, fostering a sense of shared witnessing.

The Veil's Symbolism

• Changing Symbolism:
  • In the narrative, the veil evolves to represent not only oppression but also visibility and sight itself.

Trauma Representation in Persepolis

• Representation of Violence:
  • Use of minimalist drawings juxtaposed with depictions of violence to create a thoughtful response to trauma.
  • The graphic style depicts emotional landscapes in a way that is accessible yet profoundly impactful.

Reflection and Engagement with Trauma

• Call to Action:
  • An invitation to confront and remain engaged with historical and contemporary wounds of societies.
  • Encouragement to participate authentically in discussions of identity and humanity.

Exam Preparation Questions

1. Compare the visual style of the graphic novel with the animation style in the trailer.
2. Analyze the effects of animation and music on the trailer's tone and theme.
3. Discuss how the trailer illustrates Marjane's cultural conflict, and whether it captures the nuance depicted in the graphic novel.

Next Week's Reading

• Required reading: Philip and Brand
• Review earlier slides for tutorial preparation details.