I've mentioned before on this blog that I am not a huge fan of graphic novels. Its not that I possess a hatred for them or anything; I just never got into reading them. To tell the truth, I always had this stereotype in my mind of what a graphic novel entailed... a lot of pictures with words like "kaboom!" and "pow!" plastered all over the pages. However, after reading The Complete Persepolis my initial thoughts (and perhaps prejudices) have been altered... there are really good graphic novels out there that tell real powerful stories and that display true emotion, which readers (even those that are not graphic novel enthusiasts) can relate to.
As a future educator, my initial thought of how to use a graphic novel in a classroom was always targeted toward non-motivated students or exceptional students. I saw them as a tool to get students more interested in reading, and as a support to help exceptional students tackle more difficult aspects like the comprehension of plot, character types, setting, etc. After reading Persepolis, and enjoying it so thoroughly I realized that perhaps another look at graphic novels was in order. I began to think of my beloved childhood heroes like Batman, Spiderman, and Wolverine and the fact that all of those characters originated from graphic novels. Obviously there is something worth valuing... look at how many TV shows and films have been based on graphic novels. There is a strong sense of character development throughout many graphic novels, and the more I thought about it the more I felt that graphic novels deserve a place in the English classroom targeted for all types of students, especially as an alternative writing form.
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Julie, I just want to let you know that your title of this caused me to read this post lol. After reading it, I totally agree with you! After reading Persepolis, my view of graphic novels has changed and I would definitely love to teach Persepolis in the English classroom because I feel that it is a great representation of literary elements such as character development, theme, and plot.
ReplyDeleteI agree! After reading Naruto I was disappointed! I really disliked it and had a hard time getting through it. I did, however, love Persepolis! I thought it was awesome! I would definitely consider incorporating something like Persepolis into my future classroom.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I have always felt the same way about graphic novels (my original prejudice) but after reading a few I could really get into using it in my classroom. I think it'd be totally beneficial and I think that kids could get a lot out of it. I wonder how many teachers are using them in their classrooms right now and how effective they are? That would be something worth researching! Glad you've changed your mind since reading, and I definitely agree that Persepolis is a great book!
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ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with your first notion of graphic novels, and I think that Naruto fit into that preconception. As I was reading through the text, I kept noticing the "sound effect" words like "pow," "smack," "blam," etc. I felt like I was being transported back to the old Batman comics. But, I think that Persepolis did a much better job at toning down the stereotypical comic gags. By doing so, her novel's message became much stronger and approachable for the audience.
ReplyDeleteI felt the same way about graphic novels. I definitely had the same sterotype in my head about graphic novels too! Lots of weird pictures and funny words like KABOOM and KABAMO! They weren't as bad as I thought. If I would have just read Naurto, graphic novels would still stink in my book, but Persepolis changed my perspective.
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