Timeline
Why is Ji-li considered to have a "black" class status?
Because her grandfather was a landlord
SETTING: Where does Red Scarf Girl take place? location and time period
in China during the Cultural Revolution
How does the Cultural Revolution affect Ji-li’s personal goals and dreams?
What does “bourgeoise” mean?
Higher class (the rich) - those who take advantage of the lower, working-class people (proletarians)
Teacher Zhang convinces Ji-li to present on page 115. Based on his response, what do you think he wants Ji-li to do for herself in the future?
He wants her to do whatever is best for her future, which might mean breaking away from her family.
What did Teacher Zhang convince Ji-li to do? (pg. 115)
Be the class speaker for the education exhibit
POV: What emotion does Ji-li feel when she is asked to join the Class Education Exhibition?
She is surprised and anxious
Why does it matter that Ji-li has a bad class status?
She loses education/career opportunities; she has to choose between the Communist Party and her family; everyone judges and punishes her
What does “ideology” mean?
A person's beliefs, mindset, and values
Why do you think Ji-li’s teachers and classmates treat her differently after they find out about her political status?
They are afraid of being connected to someone from a “bad” class, and they are judgmental because of it, assuming she is less loyal or trustworthy.
What did Ji-li learn her and Lin-lin had in common? (pg. 112)
Both of their houses were searched
POV: Why is Ji-li hesitant to accept the position for the exhibition?
She is worried about someone with her family's background presenting.
What role does education play in spreading revolutionary ideas in Ji-li’s school? (pg. 99-100)
It is skewed toward pressing Communist ideals instead of actually teaching.
What does "uneducable" mean?
Able to be educated (specifically about which side to be on in the revolution)
Why doesn't Ji-li testify against her father, even though it could help her future? (PG. 135)
She doesn't want to go against her father because she loves him and doesn’t want to betray her family, even though it means giving up her dreams and future opportunities.
What does Ji-li’s decision in "The Class Exhibition" tell us about how her thinking has changed over time? (pg. 125-128)
She no longer blindly follows societal rules and instead chooses to stand by her family, even if it means giving up her future goals.
MAIN IDEA: What is one main idea from the story?
loyalty; family vs. society; personal identity
How do ordinary citizens treat their neighbors and family members?
They are encouraged to turn against anyone who is anti-revolutionary out of fear and blind loyalty.
What is a revolution?
An act of major political change
What does Chang Hong and Ji-li's conversation reveal about people from different classes? (pg. 118-119)
Status does not represent everything about a person - people in both high and low class have good and bad
Put these events in order: Ji-li finds a letter; Ji-li's stamps are destroyed; Ji-li is selected to present at the class education exhibit; Ji-li's father is detained
1. stamps; 2. father detained; 3. selected to present; 4. letter
SUMMARY: Summarize how Ji-li gains and loses hope throughout the story.
Ex: Ji-li starts out hopeful about her future, but loses that hope when the government’s rules hurt her family and force her to make hard choices.
How does Ji-li’s view of the Cultural Revolution change throughout the book?
She loses faith in it and begins to think more for herself in favor of her family and heritage.
What is communism?
Gov. has everyone share everything equally (like money and jobs) so no one is no rich or poor. People work for the gov., and they give them what they need.
How does the label “educable child” affect Ji-li’s identity and relationships?
Ji-li is torn between being a good student and staying loyal to her family, which causes her to feel confused, ashamed, and distant from others who treat her differently because of her family’s background.