In "Persepolis," Marjane Satrapi shows the theme of disappointment with one's heritage through Marji’s interactions with her grandfather. When Marji discovers that her grandfather was a prince, she feels excited, but he quickly says, "But that's not the question," reminding her that titles don’t matter when faced with suffering and injustice.
Satrapi highlights Marji's innocence and how she idealizes her family's past. Marji's wide-eyed expression shows her shock at her grandfather’s difficult history. This difference between her excitement and his serious tone highlights the gap between her romantic view of the past and the harsh truths of history.
This idea is important in the novel as Marji grows up and learns about the complicated issues surrounding her identity and family’s history. As she uncovers more about Iran’s struggles, she realizes that her life is connected to both privilege and pain, marking her loss of innocence—a key theme throughout the story.