As children we are presented with extensive information that is all relatively new to us. The knowledge acquired in childhood is passed on to us by our parents and relatives. This allows us to grow, but our family's influence is what shapes our culture and beliefs. Although our parents believe this is the best culture to follow, we often find ourselves questioning it. This creates complexity in accepting being part of one's culture. Shyam Selvadurai and Marjane Satrapi use this theme in their respective novels, Funny Boy and Persepolis, to demonstrate the transcendence of innocence to experience. Both main characters are presented as children going through an evolution to reach adulthood. Culture challenges the characters in similar ways and pushes them to change from a childhood identity to an adult identity. The authors illustrate this through the help of secondary characters and the portrayal of adapting to one's own culture. Additionally, the authors use similar symbolism and settings to further develop the overall theme of innocence to be experienced through cultural complexities. The secondary characters in both novels help shape the main characters in their transcendence from innocence to experience. Furthermore, symbolism is used to amplify the message conveyed by the secondary characters. It is with the help of some characters from both novels that both main characters can reach maturity. In Funny Boy, Selvadurai uses many characters to demonstrate Arjie's transcendence. In fact, the author uses individual chapters for every single secondary character. An example of this is the chapter titled “Radha Auntie”. This chapter revolves around Radha Auntie, who is a young aunt of Arjie; Selvadurai uses it to transform A...... middle of paper ......similar in the complexities it entails and the obstacles it creates for the main characters. On the other hand, the adaptation of one's own culture is completely contrasted when comparing texts. Shyam Selvadurai has another point of view on adapting to a culture and Marjane Satrapi has the complete opposite point of view. Ultimately, Shyam Selvadurai and Marjane Satrapi in Funny Boy and Persepolis, respectively, deal with the theme of main characters going through a period of transcendence from innocence to experience through secondary characters, adaptation of culture, setting and symbolism. Works Cited: Satrapi, Marjane. Persepolis 2: The story of a return. vol. 2. New York: Pantheon, 2004. Print.Satrapi, Marjane. Persepolis: the story of a childhood. vol. 1. New York: Pantheon, 2003. Print.Selvadurai, Shyam. Funny guy. New York: W. Morrow, 1996. Print.