Satrapi’s portrayals challenge not only patriarchal norms but also Western assumptions about Middle Eastern women, offering a more complex, human, and multifaceted perspective. One of the defining elements of Satrapi’s life—and her storytelling—is the experience of being caught between cultures. Satrapi’s work captures the emotional landscape of diaspora life: longing, belonging, and the constant negotiation of identity. This has made her a significant figure for readers who share similar experiences of migration or cultural duality.
Black-and-white contrasts often represent moral tension, fear, or ideological oppression. Childlike perspectives are used to portray innocence confronting harsh realities. Gestural simplicity amplifies emotion, focusing on posture, eyes, and movement. Repetition and panels simulate memory, rhythm, and the fragmented nature of trauma. Her visual language is powerful because it is universal—accessible across borders, generations, and cultures.
