In "Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return," Marjane Satrapi reflects on her struggle with cultural identity as she attempts to fit into a new society. She feels that her efforts to assimilate lead her further away from her roots, making her feel disconnected from her family and heritage. This internal conflict highlights the challenges faced by immigrants and those caught between two cultures.

Satrapi's quote emphasizes the emotional turmoil of trying to navigate different cultural expectations. The sensation of betrayal towards her parents and origins illustrates the difficulty of balancing personal identity with societal pressures. Her journey reveals the complexities of belonging and the pain of feeling as though one must play by external rules, often at the expense of personal heritage.