Characters
Who is the main character of Red Scarf Girl?
Jiang Ji-Li
Where does Red Scarf Girl take place?
Shanghai, China.
What does Ji-li’s red scarf symbolize?
It symbolizes her loyalty to the Communist Party and her identity as a Young Pioneer.
What is one theme of Red Scarf Girl?
The struggle between personal loyalty and political pressure.
Why is Ji-li initially excited about being chosen for the Red Successor program?
She sees it as a prestigious role and an honor.
What is Ji-li’s biggest dream at the start of the story?
To become part of the Liberation Army and a Red Successor.
What does the “Red Scarf” represent in Ji-li’s world?
The red scarf symbolizes loyalty to the Communist Party and pride in being a Young Pioneer.
How does Ji-li’s family photo album serve as a symbol in the story?
The album symbolizes her family's past, memories, and identity, which are endangered by the Cultural Revolution.
How is loyalty portrayed in Ji-li’s life?
Ji-li struggles between loyalty to her family and loyalty to the Communist Party.
What happens to Ji-li’s family’s property?
It is searched, damaged, and confiscated by the Red Guards.
Name a family member Ji-li feels conflicted about and why.
Her father, as he is accused of being counter-revolutionary, which affects her school and social standing.
How does Ji-li's neighborhood change during the Cultural Revolution?
Her neighborhood becomes more tense and controlled, with raids, public humiliations, and propaganda posters everywhere.
What does Ji-li’s destroyed belongings represent to her and her family?
The destroyed belongings represent the loss of their personal history and dignity under the harsh policies.
Describe how Ji-li’s family’s honor is tested throughout the book.
Ji-li’s family faces scrutiny, accusations, and public humiliation due to her father’s alleged political crimes.
Describe a conflict Ji-li faces with her friends.
Ji-li faces tension with friends over her family’s political background and her loyalty to them.
Who is Chairman Mao, and what role does he play in Ji-li's life?
Chairman Mao is the leader of the Communist Party; Ji-li idolizes him and believes his teachings, even as her family is negatively impacted by his policies.
Explain the concept of a "Cultural Revolution" as seen in the book.
The Cultural Revolution was a movement led by Mao Zedong to rid China of "old" ideas, customs, habits, and culture, targeting those seen as disloyal.
How does Ji-li view the “Four Olds” at the beginning vs. the end of the story?
At first, Ji-li accepts the “Four Olds” as bad, but by the end, she realizes they are part of her heritage and culture.
How does Ji-li’s view of herself change?
Ji-li starts as a proud, confident student but becomes confused and conflicted as she questions the revolution.
How does Ji-li’s father’s arrest affect her choices?
It forces her to choose between family loyalty and conforming to the Party’s expectations.
Describe how Ji-li’s relationship with her parents changes throughout the story.
Initially, Ji-li questions her parents’ resistance to the revolution, but as she faces challenges, she grows closer to them and understands their perspective.
What is one way school and education are affected by the Cultural Revolution?
Schools prioritize political loyalty over academic success, and teachers are targeted as counter-revolutionaries.
Why might Ji-li’s dreams of a promising future be considered a symbol?
Her dreams symbolize hope, innocence, and her belief in merit, which clash with the limitations imposed by political control.
What does the book suggest about the power of beliefs and ideologies?
The book suggests that ideologies can shape or harm people’s lives, influencing them to act against family or personal beliefs.
What does Ji-li have to decide about her family’s background by the end?
She must decide to accept and defend her family’s values, despite the shame and risk.