Persepolis & poem comparison

I would guess "War Is Kind" by Stephen Crane is the easiest poem to compare to Persepolis.  The panels where the reasons for Iran's radical change during the war are best for comparison.  War is made into a way of life, and the government of Iran goes as far to say "We refuse this imposed peace!"  I find that incredible.  Imposed peace?  

Anyway, a country experiencing unending war and radical nationalism somewhat compares to the Crane poem.  No, those examples aren't specifically cited in the poem, but the overall attitude that war is unavoidable and just is implied.  At least that's my interpretation.  The idea of martyrdom is present in both texts.  Marjane says "The one that struck me most by its gory imagery was: 'To die a martyr is to inject blood into the veins of society.'"  Similarly, death in war in the Crane poem is treated as a noble sacrifice, it should not be wept over.  "Mother whose heart hung humble as a button/On the bright splendid shroud of your son,/Do not weep./War is kind!" 

Blankets

Oh jeez....Well, I haven't even bought this book yet, so......yeah.

I'm sorry, I'll try to have something posted later today.  I look forward to reading it, my little group from a few minutes ago says it's very good.

Beliefs in Oranges

I am a Catholic, so I believe in the teachings of the Catholic Church.  I credit my parents for shaping my system of belief.  I have never really had an experience where my beliefs were challenged.  Sure, I've had my share of bad times like everyone else, but my faith has never come into question.

Beliefs dominate Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit.  Jeanette's mother's beliefs are firmly upheld, while most of Jeanette's gradually change or go away altogether.  Jeanette's mother is a rabid Christian fundamentalist, and remains one the entire book.  Jeanette is raised one but when here sexuality comes into question she begins to reassess herself, leaving behind her church and promises of becoming a missionary.  Perhaps most illustrative of the radical change in her beliefs is this defiant exchange with the pastor and her mother:

J: "She can go. I'm leaving the church, so you can forget the rest."

...

P: "Will you repent?"

J: "No."

Jeanette's change in beliefs is shown symbolically in her dreams (at least I think they are her dreams) with the fairy tale characters, the visit from her demon, and of course, the repeated orange references.  The fairy tale sections usually parallel the actual narrative, or foreshadow things to come.  Maybe I did not read carefully enough, but I'm still having trouble with the oranges.

Probably the big struggle for Jeanette is that her family life is pretty much destroyed, and that her first love, Melanie, will forever be out of her reach.