Marjane and Ramona

As I continue to read Persepolis, I find that Marjane reminds me a lot of Ramona Quimby from Beverly Cleary's children's books. Both girls are fiesty, rambunctious little girls who speak their mind that produces humor from the reader. This humor is especially endearing because, as readers, we see things they can't. However, what is refreshing is that what these girls say is the raw truth. They both tell it like they see it because they have no bias, no realization of what's actually happening so we see what they see. Marjane's side comments are so humorous, yet so true, like the one where she tells Laly," You must admit that I wasn't completely wrong when I said he was not on a trip." She wasn't wrong, she was on a trip and that is the only thing she cared about what being right. She completely overlooked the fact that her friend's father was tortured because, as little kids, being right is the only thing that matters.

The interesting thing about each girl is that they are both trying to grow up and understand the world around them without losing their own personality. Growing up during the Islamic Revolution, Marjane is surrounded by chaos and bias and is very confused about why their is fighting and which side to take. Ramona's problems, although less prominent, are still very troubling for her and she tries to take on the world around her without losing who she is. Both girls get scolded for speaking their minds and doing things without thinking, but they are both very lovable, refreshing characters who bring a humorous perspective to troubling times.

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