Story Events
Why didn’t Ji-li’s parents want her to audition for the dance troupe?
Because they feared her family background would be discovered.
Who was Ji-li asked to testify against?
Her father.
How did Ji-li feel when her aunt was forced to post the da-zi-bao?
She felt ashamed and sad for her aunt.
What mood does the author create in the description of the “bare, deserted” Great Prosperity Market?
Mood = abandoned, sad, hopeless.
What are da-zi-bao?
Big posters used to publicly criticize people (often teachers or neighbors).
How did Ji-li feel after her speech at the exhibition?
Proud.
Ji-li almost changed her name. Why did she want to?
She wanted to hide her family background.
Why do you think the author included the scene where the Red Guards searched Ji-li’s home?
To show how frightening and unfair the Cultural Revolution was.
What happened to Ji-li’s family’s belongings when the Red Guards searched their home?
They were thrown around and destroyed during the search.
Why was it so hard for Ji-li to write a da-zi-bao about her teachers?
She respected her teachers and didn’t believe bad things about them.
Describe one time Ji-li felt proud OR one time she felt ashamed.
Proud = after her speech; Ashamed = when family was attacked/yelled at.
How does the setting of the Cultural Revolution affect Ji-li’s life and choices?
It limited her opportunities, caused her to hide things, and made her afraid to follow her dreams.
Why did Ji-li hide the letter in the cat’s litter box?
It was the only place she could think of quickly.
What do Ji-li’s choices (like hiding the letter) show about her character?
She is loyal, protective, and brave.
How did Ji-li feel when the men yelled at her family during the search?
She felt scared, trapped, and powerless.
What lesson (theme) does Ji-li learn by the end of the story?
Theme: Family and loyalty are more important than honors or success.