Persepolis: Vocab Flashcards
Fundamentalism
A form of a religion that upholds belief in the strict, literal interpretation of scripture (holy books)
People who practice religious fundamentalism often enforce strict religious rules.
Regime
A government, especially an authoritarian one
The new Islamic regime controls many aspects of life in Iran.
Obligatory
Required by ruler
After the revolution, all women found wearing the head scarf was obligatory.
Predecessor
A person who held a job before the current holder.
Marjane says she had predecessors before her.
Celestial
relating to the sky, or heavens
The celestial beauty of the sky amazes me.
Fanatics
a person filled with excessive and single-minded enthusiasm, especially for a religious or political cause.
The islamic fundamentalists are religious fanatics.
Communist
Someone who believes all property should be commonly owned and each person works and is payed according to their abilities and needs
Uncle Anoosh is a communist because he believes that workers must revolt.
Clandestine
Done secretly
Romeo and Juliet had clandestine meetings because their families hate each other.
Martyr
A person who is killed because of their religious or other beliefs
Uncle Anoosh is a martyr because he is killed for his political beliefs
Proletariat
The working class
Karl Marx believed that the proletariat would revolt the ruler.
Ideological
based on a set of beliefs, usually economic or political
There is an ideological conflict between the communists and religious leaders because they believe different systems will help Iran.
Pretext
Deceptive excuse
Uncle Anoosh is executed under the pretext that he is a Russian spy when in fact he is not.
Condemned
Sentenced to punishment especially death
Uncle Anoosh is condemned to death on pretext that he is a spy.
Secular
Non religious
Marjane’s school was secular before the revolution because it was not religious.
Belligerent
Hostile and aggressive
The two belligerent men got in a fist fight.
