The Sheep Analysis Worksheet
Sacrifice & Silence
Persepolis: Chapter 9
Analysis Worksheet
Student Name
Date
Warm-Up: Decoding the Title
The chapter is titled "The Sheep." Based on your reading, why did Marjane Satrapi choose this title? Consider both the literal event (p. 66) and the political metaphor for following a regime.
Part 1: Graphic Narrative Analysis
The Escape (p. 66)
Standard 8.RL.9
Look at the bottom panel of page 66. How does Satrapi visually blend the humans with the sheep? What does this suggest about the character's status?
The Propaganda (p. 70)
Historical Context
The newspaper labels Anoosh a "Russian Spy." Why does the state use this label? Compare this to the 99.99% election results on page 62.
Part 2: Text to Film Comparison (RL.7)
Prompt: Evaluate how the Persepolis film (2007) renders the tragedy of Anoosh's execution. Does the use of music and animation enhance or distract from the original emotional intent?
Cool-Down: The Turning Point
On page 70, Marji tells God, "Get out! I never want to see you again!" Explain why this specific death (Anoosh) causes Marji to lose her faith entirely.
The Sheep Slides
Sacrifice &
Silence
Persepolis: Chapter 9 "The Sheep"
Standard RL.7 & RL.9 Focus
Warm-Up: The Title
Why is this chapter titled "THE SHEEP"?
- Think about the literal event on page 66.
- Think about the political metaphor: Who are the "sheep"?
- Think about the religious metaphor: How does "sacrifice" fit in?
Panel
Analysis
The Escape
Symbolism (RL.9)
Satrapi uses the "flock" to represent survival. In many myths, sheep represent purity or helplessness.
"Later on we learned they crossed the border hidden among a flock of sheep." (p. 66)
Visual Prompt
Look at the panel. How does Satrapi visually blend the humans with the animals? What does this say about their safety?
Propaganda vs. Reality
"RUSSIAN SPY EXECUTED"
The Headline on Page 70
The newspaper labels Anoosh a "Russian Spy." Why does the state use this label?
Compare this to the 99.99% election results on page 62.
"Everything will
be alright..."
— Anoosh's Final Words
Watch & Compare (RL.7)
Embedded media
Focus Task
As you watch, note how the film uses Sound Design and Movement to convey the tragedy.
How does this compare to the silence of the graphic novel?
Analytical Paragraph
"Evaluate the extent to which the filmed version of Anoosh’s final meeting stays faithful to the graphic novel's emotional intent."
Faithful?
Does the script match the book's dialogue?
Departures?
What does the film add to the silence?
Choices?
Why did the director use music here?
Cool-Down
On page 70, Marji tells God, "Get out! I never want to see you again!" Explain why this specific death (Anoosh) causes Marji to lose her faith entirely.
The Sheep Teacher Guide
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Persepolis Chapter 9: The Sheep
Estimated Time
75-90 MINS
Lesson Objectives
- Analyze the visual and political symbolism of "sheep" in the context of the Iranian Revolution.
- Evaluate the use of state propaganda, specifically the branding of political prisoners to control public narrative.
- Compare the emotional weight of graphic panels vs. cinematic animation (RL.7).
Aligned Standards
8.RL.7: Analyze faithfulness of a filmed production to the text/emotional intent.
8.RL.9: Analyze the rendering of myths/motifs (Sheep, Martyrdom).
8.W.2: Write informative texts to examine and convey complex ideas.
Materials Checklist
- "The Sheep" Slide Deck
- Analysis Worksheets
- Chapter 9 PDF / Physical Book
Instructional Pacing
10 MIN
Warm-Up: Title & Metaphor
Discuss "Sheep" as followers. Encourage students to find both the literal meaning (Siamak's family escape) and the political meaning (those who follow the regime without question).
30 MIN
Guided Analysis (Slides 3-4)
The Escape: Use Slide 3 to show how Satrapi blends humans and sheep. Ask: "Is it safety or a loss of identity?"
The Propaganda: Connect the "Russian Spy" headline (p. 70) to the faked election results (p. 62). Discuss how the regime uses statistics and labels to delegitimize individuals.
25 MIN
Watch & Write (Slides 5-6)
View the film clip. Facilitate a discussion on the silence of the book vs. the score of the film. Have students draft their analytical paragraph on the worksheet.
10 MIN
Cool-Down: Faith Lost
Marji banishes God on p. 70. This is the moment she realizes her childhood "protector" cannot save those she loves. It is the definitive end of her childhood innocence.
Note on Historical Propaganda
The "99.99%" election figure is a classic trope of authoritarian regimes. Satrapi highlights the absurdity of this number to show Marji's father's frustration. When Anoosh is called a "Russian Spy," it is a tactical move to disconnect him from Iranian nationalism, making his execution more palatable to the public.
