Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood Lesson Plan

Stranger in a Strange Land

Kind of Activity:

Creative Writing

Objective:

To better understand Marjane's self-destructive choices in Vienna

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.11-12.7

Structure:

Marjane struggles to assimilate in Vienna. On the one hand she is much more conservative than her peers, but on the other hand she has much more life experience than they do. This disconnect, paired with her loneliness and isolation, lead Marjane into a cycle of destructive behavior, including habitual drug use, dealing, and damaging relationships, until she ultimately ends up on the streets.

Lead a discussion about why Marjane struggles with assimilation and what leads...