HTST 317 - Prisoner of Mao

Who is the author and subject of Prisoner of Mao?

Jean Pasqualini (Bao Ruo-wang)

What is Lao Gai?

China’s "Reform Through Labour" system combining forced labor and ideological re-education.

Why is Pasqualini’s account unique?

He was one of the few Westerners to experience the full Lao Gai system firsthand.

When was Pasqualini released from China?

November 13

Why was Pasqualini released early?

As a diplomatic gesture after France recognized the PRC.

When was Pasqualini arrested?

1957

What charges were brought against Pasqualini?

Counterrevolutionary activities and being an imperialist spy.

What work was used as evidence against him?

Translation and interpretation work for U.S. Marines

What was Grass Mist Lane Prison?

A Beijing detention center used for interrogating political prisoners.

How long did Pasqualini’s interrogation last?

Approximately 15 months.

What were "Toothpaste" and "Water Tap" prisoners?

Metaphors for prisoners who resisted confession versus those who confessed immediately.

What was the goal of interrogation?

Ideological submission rather than factual truth.

What was the Hundred Flowers Campaign?

A brief period encouraging criticism before repression resumed.

What followed the Hundred Flowers Campaign?

The Anti-Rightist Campaign.

What were study sessions?

Mandatory ideological meetings analyzing Communist texts.

What happened if a prisoner spoke incorrectly in study sessions?

Their remarks were recorded in dossiers and could lead to punishment.

What was a Struggle session?

A public denunciation where prisoners attacked an accused inmate.

What was ration voting?

A system where prisoners voted on each other’s food rations.

Why was ration voting effective?

It exploited hunger and encouraged peer surveillance and conformity.

Who was Pan Fu-kang (Small Pan)?

A mentally deteriorating prisoner whose death illustrated the brutality of the Lao Gai system.

What was Prison Number One?

A model prison with comparatively better living conditions.

How was May Day celebrated in prison?

With propaganda events

What did Pasqualini leave China with?

Six Hong Kong dollars and no personal possessions.