Injustice Slides Presentation The Letter
Persepolis Chapter 5
Class, Injustice, & Identity
Today's Mission
1
Analyze Class Struggle
Understand how social class creates invisible barriers between people who care for each other.
2
Character Comparison
Identify the differences and similarities in Marji's and Mehri's motivations and experiences.
3
Evidence-Based Writing
Standards: 8.W.2 & 8.RL.9
Flash Write: 3 Minutes
Think about a time when you were not allowed to do something, go somewhere, or be friends with someone—not because of your behavior, but because of who you are or where you come from.
How did it feel?
Frustrated? Confused? Angry?
Was it fair?
Why or why not?
The Story of Mehri
"The reason for my shame and for the revolution is the same: The difference between social classes." (p. 33)
Mehri started working for Marji's family at age 8 because her parents had "too many children."
Mehri is illiterate (cannot read or write). Marji writes love letters for her to the neighbor boy, Hossein.
When Marji's father finds out, he shuts it down. Why? Because "in this country you must stay within your own social class."
Key Themes
Injustice
Social Class
Privilege
Motivation Match
Marji's Motivation
Marji is driven by a sense of fairness and a desire to help her friend. She doesn't see the "rules" of social class until her father points them out.
"I finally understood why I felt ashamed to sit in my father's Cadillac."
Mehri's Motivation
Mehri is driven by love and survival. She seeks a connection outside of her life as a servant, even if it's based on a false identity (literacy).
"She fell in love with the neighbor's son... She didn't know how to read and write."
The Assignment
How does the concept of social class impact the relationship between Marji and Mehri?
Use at least one quote from the chapter.
Explain how their motivations differ because of their class.
Conclude with how this event sparks Marji's desire to demonstrate (protest).
Cool Down
"When I finally understood the reasons for the revolution I made my decision."
Self-Reflection
In your own words: Why did Marji feel ashamed of her father's reaction?
Class Divide Worksheet The Letter
Persepolis Chapter 5: Activities
Name:
Date:
Phase 01
Warm Up: Flash Write
Think about a time when you were not allowed to do something or be friends with someone because of who you are or where you come from. Describe the situation and how you felt.
Phase 02
Class Comparison
Use the Venn Diagram below to compare Marji and Mehri . Consider their education, their roles in the house, their access to the "Cadillac" lifestyle, and their shared friendship.
Marji
Mehri
Both
Phase 03
Evidence-Based Response
Prompt:
How does the concept of social class impact the relationship between Marji and Mehri? Use at least one quote from the chapter to support your answer.
Evidence/Quote from Text:
Your Analysis:
Phase 04
Cool Down: Reflect
Marji's father says: "In this country you must stay within your own social class." In your opinion, why does this rule exist? Is it to protect people or to keep power?
Social Class Teacher Guide Teacher Guide
The Letter: Social Injustice
35
Minutes
Lesson Essence
This lesson focuses on Chapter 5 of Persepolis, titled "The Letter." Students will examine the heartbreaking divide caused by social class in pre-revolutionary Iran. By comparing the protagonist Marji with her maid Mehri, students will analyze how systemic injustice dictates personal relationships and fuels Marji's eventual political awakening.
Learning Objectives
Identify character motivations for Marji and Mehri.
Analyze the impact of "social class" as a theme.
Write a structured response using textual evidence (8.W.2).
Connect traditional themes of social struggle to a modern graphic novel (8.RL.9).
Standards
8.W.2
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas.
8.RL.9
Analyze how a modern work draws on themes from myths or traditional stories (Dickensian social struggle).
Materials Needed
• "The Letter" PDF/Book
• Class Divide Worksheet
• Injustice Slides
Pacing & Instruction
05
min
Warm Up: Flash Write
Display Slide 3. Have students respond to the prompt on their worksheet.
Focus: Empathy and personal connection to systemic "not allowed" moments.
10
min
Direct Instruction & Context
Use Slides 4-6 to review the key events of the chapter. Focus on the definition of "social class" and the paradox of Marji's family (they are revolutionary but still benefit from the class system).
Discussion Question: Why does Marji feel ashamed of the Cadillac? What does the car represent?
15
min
Interactive Venn & Response
Students complete the Venn Diagram on the worksheet. Encourage them to find one shared experience (e.g., they both love/care for each other) and several sharp differences (literacy, role, wealth).
Transition immediately into the writing response. circulate to help students find a quote (p. 37 is a great source).
05
min
Cool Down & Wrap Up
Students answer the reflection question on Slide 8/Worksheet. This connects the chapter to Marji's decision to join the protest.
Misconception Alert
Students often think Marji's father is "mean" for stopping the relationship. Clarify that he is a product of his society—he thinks he is "protecting" Mehri or being realistic, even though his actions reinforce injustice. This is the core of the internal conflict.
Simplified Injustice Slides Presentation The Letter
Persepolis Chapter 5
Class, Injustice, & Identity
Today's Mission
1
Analyze Class Struggle
Understand how social class creates invisible barriers between people who care for each other.
2
Character Comparison
Identify the differences and similarities in Marji's and Mehri's motivations and experiences.
3
Evidence-Based Writing
Standards: 8.W.2 & 8.RL.9
Flash Write: 3 Minutes
Think about a time when you were not allowed to do something, go somewhere, or be friends with someone—not because of your behavior, but because of who you are or where you come from.
How did it feel?
Frustrated? Confused? Angry?
Was it fair?
Why or why not?
Phase 02: Class Clash
Comparing Marji and Mehri
Your Task
Turn to the Venn Diagram on your worksheet.
Compare their education
Contrast their roles in the house
Identify what connects them
Phase 03: The Response
Prompt:
How does the concept of social class impact the relationship between Marji and Mehri?
One quote from the text.
Analysis of motivations.
"In this country you must stay within your own social class." (p. 37)
Reflect
Marji's father says: "In this country you must stay within your own social class."
In your opinion, why does this rule exist? Is it to protect people or to keep power?
Simplified Injustice Slides Presentation The Letter
Persepolis Chapter 5
Class, Injustice, & Identity
Today's Mission
1
Analyze Class Struggle
Understand how social class creates invisible barriers between people who care for each other.
2
Character Comparison
Identify the differences and similarities in Marji's and Mehri's motivations and experiences.
3
Evidence-Based Writing
Standards: 8.W.2 & 8.RL.9
Flash Write: 3 Minutes
Think about a time when you were not allowed to do something, go somewhere, or be friends with someone—not because of your behavior, but because of who you are or where you come from.
How did it feel?
Frustrated? Confused? Angry?
Was it fair?
Why or why not?
Phase 02: Class Clash
Comparing Marji and Mehri
Your Task
Complete the Graphic Organizer on your worksheet.
Compare their education
Contrast their roles in the house
Identify what connects them
Phase 03: The Response
Prompt:
How does the concept of social class impact the relationship between Marji and Mehri?
One quote from the text.
Analysis of motivations.
"In this country you must stay within your own social class." (p. 37)
Reflect
Marji's father says: "In this country you must stay within your own social class."
In your opinion, why does this rule exist? Is it to protect people or to keep power?
