Sky Fire Slideshow Sky Fire
Persepolis: Chapter 11
War through a Child's Eyes
Today's Mission
Reading Focus
We are diving into Chapter 11: The F-14s . We'll explore how Marji's perspective on war shifts from heroic excitement to harsh reality.
Mission Timeline
• Warm-Up: Historical Echoes (5m)
• POV & Suspense Analysis (15m)
• Informative Response (15m)
• Cool Down: Final Reflection (5m)
Key Themes
Nationalism Childhood Innocence Point of View
1
Warm-Up: Historical Echoes
"I wrote four pages on the historical context entitled 'The Arab Conquest and Our War'... this war is the same as the one 1400 years ago..." (p. 86)
Question:
Marji notices that the same kinds of conflicts keep happening over time. How does her comparison between the past and the present show her growing understanding of war and history? Why might this pattern be important to her?
Standard: 8.RL.9
2
POV & Suspense
Analysis Task
Look at page 80. Analyze how the differences in the points of view of the characters (Marji vs. Dad) create suspense or fear.
Standard: 8.RL.6
Points of View to Contrast:
Marji: Naive, patriotic excitementFather: Realistic, expert caution
Analyzing Effect:
How does the reader's perspective (knowing the danger is real) combined with the characters' different reactions create suspense ?
3
Short Response: Child of War
Prompt
In an informative paragraph, explain how Marji’s understanding of the war changes from the beginning of the chapter to the end. Use specific evidence from the text.
Evidence Checklist
Father's "defeatism"
Reaction to the Anthem
Pardisse's perspective
Standard: 8.W.2
Convey ideas through organization and analysis of relevant content.
4
Cool Down: The Hero's Price
"I wish he were alive and in jail rather than dead and a hero."
Final Reflection:
Marji starts the chapter wanting "to teach those Iraqis a lesson." Based on the final line, what has she learned about the cost of patriotism?
Chapter 11 Conclusion
Sky Fire Activity Sheet Sky Fire
Persepolis: Chapter 11 (The F-14s)
Name:
Date:
1
Warm-Up: Historical Echoes (8.RL.9)
"I wrote four pages on the historical context entitled 'The Arab Conquest and Our War'... this war is the same as the one 1400 years ago..." (p. 86)
Marji notices that the same kinds of conflicts keep happening over time. How does her comparison between the past and the present show her growing understanding of war and history? Why might this pattern be important to her?
2
POV & Suspense (8.RL.6)
Look at page 80. Analyze how the differences in point of view between Marji and her father create suspense or fear for the reader.
Character & Point of View
Marji: Excitement, calls the jets "our army flying."
Father: (Write his reaction/POV below)
Effect on the Reader (Suspense/Fear)
Explain how knowing both points of view makes the scene more tense...
3
Short Response: Child of War (8.W.2)
Prompt: In an informative paragraph, explain how Marji’s understanding of the war changes from the beginning of the chapter to the end. Use specific evidence from the text.
4
Cool Down
Marji's friend Pardisse says: "I wish he were alive and in jail rather than dead and a hero."
What does this tell us about the difference between a child's need for their parents and a country's need for "heroes"?
Sky Fire Teacher Guide Teacher Guide
Sky Fire: Persepolis Chapter 11
Timeframe
40m
Lesson Overview
This lesson focuses on Marjane Satrapi's "The F-14s." Students explore how the Iran-Iraq war is processed through a child's eyes, specifically through the lens of nationalism, differences in point of view, and personal loss.
Learning Objectives
Students will analyze how historical themes repeat in modern fiction (8.RL.9).
Students will analyze how differences in character point of view create effects like suspense or fear (8.RL.6).
Students will write an informative paragraph tracking character development (8.W.2).
Pacing Guide
Warm-Up 5m
POV & Suspense 15m
Short Response 15m
Cool Down 5m
1
Warm-Up (8.RL.9)
Teacher Prompt:
"Marji notices that the same kinds of conflicts keep happening over time. How does her comparison between the past and the present show her growing understanding of war and history? Why might this pattern be important to her?"
Assessment Criteria:
• Recognizes repetition of history.
• Connects past (1400 years ago) to present.
• Explains the "why" (making sense of chaos).
2
POV & Suspense (8.RL.6)
Analysis Task Guidance:
Focus on page 80. How do the differing views create tension?
Character POV Differences
Marji: Sees the planes as a sign of strength and "our army." Her POV is filtered through childhood nationalism.
Father: Notices the planes "don't look like our F-14s." His POV is realistic, technical, and fearful.
Reader's Effect
The dramatic irony (the reader knows the bombing is beginning) combined with Marji's naive excitement creates suspense and dread . We fear for her safety because she doesn't realize the danger yet.
3
Short Response Answer Key (8.W.2)
Ideal Response Elements:
Beginning: Marji is fiercely patriotic, calling her father a "defeatist."Middle: National Anthem move her to tears; national pride.End: Conversation with Pardisse shifts her view to personal loss over national heroism.
4
Cool Down Reflection
