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  • Essay / The power of religion compared to Persepolis and the sound of the waves

    For some, religion is just another part of their daily routine. For others, it's a way of life. In Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi, Marjane finds herself able to express herself in the eyes of God. During these conversations, Marjane sees the fissures within her own religion and takes on the ambitious task of writing her own book on religion. Only one other person has the privilege of reading his book: Marjane's grandmother. With the help of her grandmother and God, Marjane begins to understand the injustice of her world. Eventually, due to the overwhelming harshness of the Iranian revolution, Marjane abandons religion and says goodbye to God. In The Sound of the Waves by Yukio Mishima, Shinji, a young man on the cusp of adulthood, lets religion shape the events of his life. A young woman named Hatsue arrives in Shinji's small village, stealing his heart and plunging him into a state of confused illness: Shinji has fallen in love for the very first time. While Hatsue and Shinji become close friends, another young woman becomes overcome with jealousy towards Hatsue. The woman begins to spread exaggerated rumors about her relationship throughout the village. These terrible lies reach the ears of Hatsue's rich father. Outraged, the man forbids Hatsue from seeing Shinji. Shinji is plunged into a state of depression, but he still finds it difficult to spend time with Hatsue. After several weeks, Hatsue's father asks Shinji to work on a freighter for him. In a great show of force, Shinji proves to his father that Shinji will be an exceptional husband and he gives Shinji permission to marry Hatsue. Both texts contain prominent figures who find comfort and guidance in consulting religion; Persepolis uses this concept to communicate how young Marjane has greater trust in God than in her own parents; and The Sound of Waves uses this image to emphasize Shinji's sincere confidence in his religious beliefs during times of struggle. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Marjane's relationship with God is used to show how religion is a place where Marjane feels safe and can express her thoughts. From time to time, God appears in her room and they talk about whatever Marjane wants (8). God is a “person” whom she considers trustworthy enough to be able to confess his secrets. One evening, Marjane tells God that she wants to be a prophet (8). His purpose is strange, because all previous prophets were men; however, God is open-minded and allows Marjane to fantasize this unusual thought. While many imagine God as “all-powerful,” Marjane commands over God (13). The only place Marjane feels any sort of power is within her religion. Buried in the protective arms of God, Marjane speaks of the security she feels with her friend. “The only place I felt safe was in [God’s] arms” (53). Contrary to the sound of the waves, Marjane believes that the world is atrocious and abandons religion completely (70). When she speaks to God for the very last time, she shouts, “Shut up!” Get out of my life!!! I never want to see you again! (70). Marjane believes that religion is not strong enough to address the horrible tragedies happening in Iran. So she must try to change herself, otherwise nothing will ever improve. After this incident, Marjane no longer has anyone to console; she is alone, she is alone. Religion gave Marjane happiness and hope for better days; but now it burns in the light of reality. The life of » (25)..