Trial Prep

Trial of Chairman Mao: Witness Question Sheet
Directions: You as a witness are to write four questions and answers in the perspective of your character using the book as a reference. You should find passages from the novel in support of Chairman Mao OR evidence against him depending the side of the case you are representing. Remember to USE page numbers and POST these questions on your blog. Lawyers, use this document to create cross-examination questions. Two per character should be sufficient.

Character:Ji-Li's Father Student Name:Pavel

1. Question: Why did you tell Ji-Li not to join all of those revolutionary clubs like the liberation army dancer, red successor? Why wasn't she allowed to do it?

Answer: I told her not to because of our class status. (pgs 8-9). They would criticize her and classify her as a black whelp, which they did in all of her tries to become more positive towards the revolution. (pgs 57-58). People with class status like our had basically no freedom those days, and neither did other people.



3. Question: Were you locked up and detained? Why?

Answer: Yes, I was locked up for being accused of listening to foreign radio and establishing ties as uncle tian mentioned (pg 181). They didn't allow Ji-Li to bring me food or anything, they told her she wasn't allowed to see me. (pg. 187).

4. Question: Do you think in this cultural revolution there was more freedom and it was better for all the chinese folk?

Answer: No, because there were a lot of people who had good lives, they were rich and had many things, and soveniers from foreign countries, but after the revolution started their good lives were just wiped out, they were ransacked, like old lady Rong. (pgs 82-85). Some people even commited suicide because their lives became so miserable! An-Yi's Grandmother died! (pgs 112-113). Old Qian was simply kicked and hurt and had his things taken out of the house (pgs 109-112). There was a lot of pain and ransacking. Therefore the cultural revolution made my life and lots of other people's lives really miserable!!!