Social Classes

In the story "Persepolis", after the maid is discovered to be exchanging love letters with the neighbor Marjane's father confronts her about writing the letters for the maid. He holds the letters in front of her asking "Tell me what these are!"(Satrapi, 37) and in the next frame he begins to explain "You must understand that their love was impossible." (Satrapi, 37) and Marjane, looking angry and confused asks "Why is that" (Satrapi, 37).  Her father then explains "Because in this country you must stay within your own social class." (Satrapi, 37) In the next frame you can clearly see Marjane's frustration and confusion when she clutches her head and cries out "But is it her fault that she was born where she was born??? Dad are you for or against social classes?" (Satrapi, 37)  This is a good question, one I was asking myself by this point.  Her parents actions often seem opposed to their belief system.  They claim to be communists, against imperialism and in favor of empowering the proletariat.  Their actions however often call this into question as in their treatment of the maid, both in this spot and other places in the story.   The last frame on this page shows Marjane's view on the whole situation.  She is lying in bed with the crying maid and the dialogue states "When I went back to her room she was crying.  We were not in the same social class but at least we were in the same bed." (Satrapi, 37)  I think this was a pivotal point in Marjane's story, her confusion over her parents spoken views and their actions, her confusion over what is said in the streets, at school, on TV and at home, all contribute to the development of her rebellious and angry personality that eventually causes her separation from her family.