> All of which are understandable for someone who has been through such a traumatic turn of events, however it was a bit sad that the young, rebellious child that was so likable did not seem to survive the conflict.
Great literature does not exist to be heartwarming but to speak fundamental truths, however uncomfortable they are. Persepolis cleaned up as you implicitly desire would cease to be the great work that it is.
I never said I wanted it to be changed. Even if you dislike or disagree with my take, I want to make that really clear; I don't think we should modify art because we find it unpleasant.
The problem is the version of events you'd prefer to see simply never happens, it's just pure fantasy. If this represented that it would be reduced to childish nonsense.
I don't think it's childish nonsense to wish better things for people, or to express disappointment when people err.
I think what OC is saying above is that the adult version of reality is often unsatisfying - and that often the ability of great artists is to show us this, knowing they will be judged, and get past it, because a true record of history is more important than an indulgent, sanitised one that makes for easy reading.
> I think what OC is saying above is that the adult version of reality is often unsatisfying
I'd quibble with your choice of words there, although I agree with the overall point - ultimately adult reality is the only thing that satisfies, warts and all, everything else is a waste of energy.
This is even true by proxy in more fantastic works, where the point is to communicate aspects of adult reality in less direct ways.
There is a very clear cultural divide here on this between the americans and everyone else, which is kind of funny given Girard was working in the US when he famously formulated it so clearly to a mainly american audience.