English 131 A8
Rachel Edelman
October 5th, 2014
Veil: Rhetorical Analysis
The image of the Islamic veil is understood as a symbol of oppression by the Western culture. In Satrapi’s graphic novel The Veil, she explores the dominant representation of covered Muslim women through her experiences as a child during the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Every word, symbol, image, and idea has a history behind it and each creates a new future.
Satrapi argues that the image of the veil is not a symbol of oppression but instead empowerment and exploration of identity. She employs visual rhetoric and narrative constructions to create this iconic graphic memoir. She forms an ethical discussion of the veil through the frames of acceptance and rejection …show more content…
The feeling of anonymity overcomes her as she stands amongst her female peers with only slightly distinguishing themselves by the vast array of gloomy expressions. The veil suggests that each woman is the same, yet she struggles with the feelings of being different. Even her prophetic self-beliefs cause issues and troubles at her school. This individualism she expresses causes herself self-identity issues through her free spirit contrasting with fundamental Islam. The imagery of identity loss is a continuous struggle through her comic and is identified by her being afraid of others thinking poorly of her due to her beliefs. The first frame on page four shows the dichotomy of the Eastern and Western civilizations, fundamental and progressive Islam, and the religious and secular ways of Iran through the imagery of a divided …show more content…
It encompasses multiple meanings through the interpretations of a progressive and classic Islam. Satrapi rebels against societal restriction without rebelling against the hijab itself; she does not view the veil as an inhibiting force in her life but instead views society as a constriction of her identity. Satrapi rebels against the pressures in order to express her individuality. The veil is a necessary tool for many women, without it, Satrapi would not be allowed in public to express her spiritual individuality. It de-emphasizes a women’s body and allows the women to gain respect as a person and not for their physical appearances. The veil protects the judgments forced upon us by others and the media. Yet some women, including Satrapi’s mother, believes that respect must be earned regardless of one’s appearance. But Satrapi wanted to break the barrier of veiled women being seen as dehumanized, indistinguishable, and oppressed by presenting them as