Questions for “Half-City Jiangs”

  • When Ji-li hears about the article about the Jiang family in the Worker’s Revolt newspaper, one of her first thoughts is “Everybody reads the Worker’s Revolt,” and then she spills her tea before storming out of her house (p. 211). Based on Ji-li’s reaction, what power do you think the media, such as newspapers, had in terms of influencing public opinion in China during the Cultural Revolution? To what extent does the media control or influence public opinion in society today?
  • After the article about the Jiang family is published, Ji-li runs out of her house. On her walk, she passes the police station and decides to change her name, telling herself, “No! I did not want to have this da**** name anymore! I had had enough. All my bad luck and humiliation came fromthe name Jiang” (. 212). What does the name Jiang represent to Ji-li? What does this name represent to others in the story? What is the symbolism of Ji-li wanting to change her name? What is the significance of the fact that she ultimately decides not to change her name? What does your name represent to you? Under what conditions would you consider changing your name?
  • Compare the behavior of Song Po-po at the end of this chapter to the behavior of Pudge on page 212. What might explain why Song Po-po helps the Jiang family, despite their background, while Ji-li’s classmates tease her and call her names? Under what conditions are you most likely to help others? What does this say about Human Nature?

Questions for “The Class Education”

  • In chapter 10, when Ji-li is asked to become a member of the propaganda group for the school newspaper, she decides not to join. Yet, even after the article in the Worker’s Revolt publicly criticizes the Jiang family, Ji-li does not shy away from her role in the Class Education Exhibition. Rather, she explains, “I had been seized by a new determination not to give in to pressure…I hadto win my honor back” (p. 218-219). How can you explain Ji-li’s change in attitude? What do you think she means when she says she wants to win her honor back? What is honor? How is it lost? How do you gain it back? From whom?

Questions for “The Rice Harvest”

  • When Ji-li is struggling to finish her work in the fields, she rejects Bai Shan’s offer of help. Why do you think she does this? Have you ever rejected help from someone? Why? Under what conditions do you think it is appropriate to accept help from others?
  • What is the meaning of Ji-li’s dream (p. 241)? Why do you think she wanted to include this dream in her memoir? What does it add to the story?