RED SCARF GIRL FULL thing

Chapter Prologue 

Ji Li Jiang was born on the Chinese New Year, and the Cultural Revolution started in 1966. She was 12 years old. 

Chapter 1 

One of the most important things Chairman Mao's slogans are: Study hard and advance daily. The main thing that happened was that a liberation army dancer tested Ji Li Jiang, then she went home and told the news to her family and her dad said not to do it. This is because of the political background investigation; in the past, her grandparents were wealthy. Then she told her friend An Yi, teacher Gu, and passed a note to the principal saying “she can not go”. 

Chapter 2 

Almost Every Sunday Ji Li Jiang and her siblings went to Grandpa Hong's bookshop because their dad wanted to take a long nap in peace. They also broke the sign at the prosperity market. This is because Chairman Mao said to end the four olds. Which are old customs, old ideas, old cultures, and old habits. 

Chapter 3 

 In Chapter 3 Ji Li Jiang can not think of anything to write for Da Zi Bao which means to attack and humiliate people, she can not think of anything because of her bad political attitude, instead Ji Li Jiang goes to copy someone’s Da Zi Bao, but instead she copies of a newspaper. Then Ji Li and a group wrote a Da Zi Bao about Aunt Xi Wen. After that, An Yi told Ji Li Jiang that someone wrote a da zi bao about her and it was Hai, Yun Lan and some other kids. The Da Zi Bao was about a relationship with Ke Cheng Li after she read that she passed out.

Chapter 4

In Chapter 4 Ji Li Jiang had to stay home because her parents told her to, because someone wrote a Da Zi Bao about her. There were no classes so no one would criticize her anyway. Then she got a fever and was home for about 10 days. 

Then Ji Li Jiang’s school had gone into an uproar. The school had gathered outside the committee offices and shouted nonstop that they wanted to be red guards. The college and high school students were allowed to be red guards, nothing below high school.

But their school made a new generation for the red guards, the red successors they were to be elected from each class. On Friday there was a thunderstorm that wiped out all the Da Zi Bao’s. Even the one with Ji Li Jiang’s name on it has been erased by the rain. Then the election started for getting to be a red successor. Ji Li Jiang needed to share her class status but Ji Li Jiang did not say anything, but then Du Hai exposed her by saying her father is a rightist while her grandfather is a landlord. Then Ji Li Jiang got bullied for her political background then the red succesors saw her and told her to speak to them after class. 

Chapter 5 

In chapter 5 Teacher Gu told the whole class that there would be no final exams. Ji Li Jiang then came across Teacher Gu, she said that the high school policy had been changed, and you would be chosen a high school and it is Shi Yi Junior High School which was her dream. Then one day she started shopping for school supplies. Then something tragic happened, Ji Li Jiang lost the privilege to go to the school she was assigned to, instead she went to Xin Zha Junior High School.

Chapter 6

In chapter 6, It's summertime, but Ji-li isn't enjoying it. Posters calling for the destruction of the "four olds" are everywhere, and Red Guards are ready to search homes for remnants of the past. A nearby store is shut down after being accused of harbouring these relics, creating an atmosphere of fear. Ji-li's family has had to let their housekeeper, Song Po-po, go due to societal pressures against having a servant in a classless society, although she still lives nearby and wants to keep in touch. With Song Po-po gone, Ji-li takes on more responsibilities, including shopping for food, but struggles at first with cooking. One day, when her grandmother needs acupuncture, Ji-yong arranges for a pedicab since cabs are no longer allowed. Together, the siblings manage to get their grandma to the doctor and back home safely. As the regime demands the elimination of the four olds, Ji-li's family burns or paints over their old belongings, marking a painful shift in their lives.

Chapter 7

In chapter 7 at the end of the alley, Ji-li notices a propaganda wall adorned with da-zi-bao and Mao posters. One night, a counterrevolutionary attempts to remove a da-zi-bao but is caught, prompting Six-Fingers and his Red Guard friends to tighten their grip on enforcement. A new announcement reveals that Jia Hong-yu, a prominent Red Guard leader, will deliver an important speech. She shares a heartfelt story about her encounter with Chairman Mao, moving the audience to tears as they chant, "Long live Chairman Mao!" However, the atmosphere darkens when Ji-li witnesses Old Qian being punished for not lending his bike, and forced to kneel on a washboard until he collapses. The following day brings further sorrow as An Yi's grandmother, unable to endure harassment over her class status, jumps from a window. Ji-li remembers her kindness, but the family's mourning is complicated by the stigma of suicide, preventing them from holding a proper funeral.

Chapter 8

One night, Ji-li senses something is amiss when her dad's friends, Uncle Tian and Aunt Wu, visit. Although she can't overhear the adults, her intuition tells her it's serious. The next day, her father insists she enjoys a picnic at the park with her grandma, but the pressure to have fun feels burdensome. While her siblings play, Ji-li confides her fears about the Red Guards potentially searching their home. Her grandma reassures her with a plan: a mop on the balcony will signal danger. Days later, Ji-li's parents burn photos that could incriminate them, including cherished memories of her dad and grandma. Tensions rise as her brother, Ji-Yong, gets into fights over his class status and eventually returns home injured. The following day, a knife found in the trash leads the Red Guards to ransack their home, leaving Ji-li devastated. They take her belongings indiscriminately, invading her privacy and leaving her feeling violated and embarrassed. Despite An Yi's help, Ji-li struggles to cope with the chaos and shame of the situation.

Chapter 9

Classes are cancelled since junior high teachers are busy with the revolution, but Ji-li is not celebrating; she longs for school and the chance to learn. Boredom sets in without classes, and one day, she witnesses her Aunt Xi-wen fall, only to see her cousin Shan-shan pass by without help. This shocks Ji-li, reminding her of a hurtful da-zi-bao Shan-shan wrote against his mother. Torn between wanting to help and fearing being labelled a counterrevolutionary, Ji-li is relieved when Old Mrs. Wang steps in first. Later, she and An Yi observe protests against Du Hai's mother, feeling a moment of relief for An Yi’s family. However, the atmosphere remains grim as Ji-yun faces bullying at school, and Ji-li worries about their family's future. With Chinese New Year and Ji-li’s thirteenth birthday passing without celebration, the tension escalates when a friend's father is arrested. Returning home, Ji-li finds An Yi distraught over her mother’s plight, and in a moment of frustration, she vents her anger towards her grandfather, questioning if their troubles would exist without his past as a landlord.

Chapter 10

Ji-li has eagerly anticipated starting junior high for over a year, and finally, the day arrives. She walks to school with her friend An Yi, excited to meet up after classes. Upon entering her new classroom, Ji-li feels relieved to see no familiar faces from her old school, which means her class status remains a secret. However, she quickly realizes that the curriculum is heavily focused on Chairman Mao's politics, with little emphasis on essential subjects like grammar and math. Classes often lack engagement, as teachers struggle to maintain control. Ji-li feels torn between wanting to support the revolution and her desire to learn. At home, tension builds as her father returns late from a political study class aimed at extracting confessions. One day at school, during a rally praising Mao, Ji-li forgets her book but is saved by a classmate, Lin-lin. Grateful for her kindness, Ji-li finds comfort in her new friends who appreciate her academic achievements rather than ridicule her. When approached to write for a propaganda group, Ji-li hesitates, recalling past experiences where her successes became ammunition against her due to her family's wealth. Ultimately, she declines the offer, opting to protect herself from potential hurt.

Chapter 11

Late at night, a knock at the door sends a wave of tension through the household. It’s Uncle Fan, battered and bruised, prompting concern for Ji-li and her family. They quickly usher him into the bathroom while Grandma insists they saw nothing, creating an unspoken agreement to stay silent. Despite their resolve, Ji-li can't shake her sadness over the situation. Days later, news breaks that Uncle Fan has been arrested for merely listening to a radio, raising alarms for Ji-li's parents about the Red Guards potentially coming for her father next. Faced with tough choices—confess, maintain normalcy, or betray a friend—her father opts for the latter. However, their troubles deepen when Ji-li learns her dad has also been arrested, leaving them all in uncertainty. As her mom grows increasingly frail due to stress and her health issues, Ji-li takes it upon herself to visit her dad in detention. Though she only gets a brief moment with him, the encounter leaves her with a mix of hope and despair as a guard ominously suggests she may have to relinquish her family ties to succeed in Mao's China.

Chapter 12

After the news of Ji-li's dad's imprisonment, her grandmother's health declines significantly, leaving Ji-li increasingly anxious about her well-being. Rather than attending school, Ji-li dedicates her time to household chores, which include cooking, cleaning, and sewing, all while her mind is preoccupied with worry. This unending cycle of responsibilities weighs heavily on her. One day, her friend Lin-lin arrives after school to check on Ji-li, who has been absent for quite some time. Lin-lin brings an important message from Teacher Zhang about a significant meeting scheduled for tomorrow at 4:00 PM in the auditorium, stressing that attendance is crucial. Although initially hesitant and embarrassed to have her friend witness her domestic duties, Ji-li soon finds comfort in their shared moment. Lin-lin reveals that her own house was searched, highlighting the pervasive tension within their community. The following day at the meeting, Ji-li is taken aback when she learns that Teacher Zhang has chosen her to represent their class at a prestigious exhibition. Overwhelmed by self-doubt regarding her family background, Ji-li confronts Teacher Zhang, who assures her that his decision stands firm. He emphasizes that individuals cannot control their family circumstances but can shape their own identities. Inspired by his words, Ji-li decides to accept the opportunity. Despite her father's ongoing imprisonment and refusal to confess to any wrongdoing, Ji-li feels a renewed sense of purpose. Later, while painting posters of Mao with her classmate Chang Hong, Ji-li discovers that Chang Hong envies her intelligence and academic prowess. This revelation prompts Ji-li to reflect on her feelings of jealousy toward Chang Hong's favourable family situation. In a moment of vulnerability, Chang Hong shares a personal secret about her brother's epilepsy, expressing her internal conflict between familial loyalty and commitment to the revolution. This candid exchange deepens their understanding of each other's struggles, reinforcing the complexities of their lives amidst the political turmoil.

Chapter 13

In May, Ji-li discovers that her father has been exonerated of false accusations related to foreign radio, a narrative instigated by Uncle Zhu. Nonetheless, her father remains imprisoned, intensifying Ji-li's frustration and anger towards Uncle Zhu for his treachery. As awareness of her family's affluent background circulates, Ji-li's resentment escalates, particularly toward her parents, who were formerly part of the wealthy "half-city Jiang." In her feelings of betrayal, she expresses hatred towards her family and refrains from communicating with her mother for two days. Considering a change of name to escape her past, she visits the city office, where a guard supports her decision. However, upon her return home, witnessing a conflict between her grandmother and Song Po-po over chores evokes feelings of remorse. In a gesture of reconciliation, Ji-li presents her mother with a bowl of soup, reflecting her intent to restore their relationship.

Chapter 14

At the school exhibition, Ji-li experiences elation upon presenting her project, only for her joy to diminish when Chairman Jin requests her presence for a serious conversation. During this meeting, he pressures her to testify against her father, suggesting that her cooperation could aid the revolution. Ji-li grapples with the moral implications of betraying her father but maintains that she has no information to divulge. Subsequently, she is informed of her removal from the exhibition committee due to her refusal, which leaves her heartbroken. As Ji-li exits the venue in tears, her classmate Bai Shan attempts to console her, but she is too overwhelmed to acknowledge the gesture.

Chapter 15

Three days post-exhibition, Ji-li received a note from Chang Hong requesting an urgent meeting, revealing a reassignment to summer fieldwork rather than factory employment. Disappointed due to her mother's deteriorating health, Ji-li desired to remain close to home. Despite Chang's reassurances about her family's background, she reluctantly accepted the decision. In the fields, Ji-li faced the strenuous task of rice harvesting, struggling to keep pace and working late nights, while declining offers of assistance out of fear of appearing weak. Her dedication led to neglecting her health, culminating in a severe cut and a fainting episode. Upon regaining consciousness, Ji-li learned from Chang that her father's theatre company wanted her to return and work for the Revolutionary Committee, leaving her uncertain about her future.

Chapter 16

At home, Ji-li experiences relief while assisting her mother and grandmother. One evening, Uncle Tian arrives with a letter urging an investigation into the local authorities, exposing their severe mistreatment, including Aunt Wu's humiliation. Recognizing its importance, Ji-li understands the need for the letter amidst the tumult. Grandma quickly instructs the family to hide it, and Ji-li conceals it in the cat's litter box. However, guards soon arrive, demanding the letter, and they aggressively search the house, mistreating Grandma in the process. Ji-li, anxious for her grandmother's safety, considers disclosing the letter's location, but a guard finds it first. The guards then require everyone to register as landlord's wives or enemies, a precarious designation. Ji-li's mother wants to alert Uncle Tian, but the guards block the exit. Ji-yong attempts to inform him by scaling the fence but discovers that Uncle Tian is missing. Ji-li is left feeling despondent about their dire circumstances.

Chapter 17

Ji-li observes her grandmother sweeping the alley as a consequence of her being the spouse of a landlord, leading her to worry about her well-being. Concurrently, Ji-li’s mother suffers from frequent fainting spells, intensifying Ji-li’s anxiety regarding her father's safety and the potential return of the guards. When her mother presses her to promise to care for her siblings should anything happen, Ji-li reluctantly consents, recognizing her ongoing responsibility toward her family. Reflecting on her life’s transformation—from aspirations of becoming a Red Guard and enjoying material comforts to now sleeping on straw mats after losing their belongings—Ji-li's sole objective has become ensuring her family's safety amid the turmoil.

Epilogue

Years later, Ji-li reflects on her life in America and her family's journey. Her grandmother continued her daily routine until her passing at ninety-eight, while her father remained imprisoned until 1980. Ji-yong found a career in Seattle's tourism sector, and Ji-li's parents settled with Ji-yun, a community college instructor. In China, Chang Hong and An Yi are factory workers. Ji-li pursued higher education in Hawaii, ultimately becoming a teacher. Despite her challenging past, she does not harbour resentment toward Mao; instead, she recognizes the impact of brainwashing on her beliefs. Following Mao's death, she began to question her ideological upbringing. Now, she endeavours to reconcile her Chinese heritage with her American freedom, valuing her ability to express herself while acknowledging that her Chinese identity is integral to her identity.