Why does Marjane's mom Taji faint when Marjane looks at her before boarding the plane to take her (Marjane) out of Iran? Be detailed with your answer.

In the graphic novel "Persepolis" by Marjane Satrapi, the scene where Marjane's mother Taji faints as Marjane boards the plane to leave Iran is a poignant moment that encapsulates the emotional turmoil of the situation.

1. Fear for Marjane's Safety: Taji is sending her daughter to a foreign country, Austria, alone. She is terrified for Marjane's safety and well-being, knowing that she will not be there to protect her. The fear and anxiety cause her to faint.

2. Emotional Overwhelm: Taji is also dealing with the emotional pain of separation. She is not just sending her daughter away for a few days or weeks, but for an indefinite period. The thought of not seeing Marjane for a long time is overwhelming, leading to her fainting.

3. Stress and Exhaustion: The Satrapis have been living under the constant stress and fear of the Islamic Revolution and the Iran-Iraq war. The physical and emotional toll of these experiences, combined with the stress of arranging Marjane's departure, could have led to Taji's fainting.

4. Symbolic Representation: Taji's fainting can also be seen as a symbolic representation of the powerlessness felt by many Iranians during this period. Despite their best efforts to protect their loved ones and themselves, they were often helpless in the face of larger political and social forces.

In conclusion, Taji's fainting is a result of a combination of fear, emotional overwhelm, stress, exhaustion, and the symbolic representation of powerlessness.