Chapters 9-10 Summary

Chapter 9 finds Forrest in Peking, coached by Mr. Wilkins about bowing, adjusting himself in public, and table manners. By day, Forrest does well in matches and by night is entertained. A trip to the Peking Duck Restaurant goes awry and Forrest tours the city and is arrested as a spy. Wilkins orders him to wear a helium balloon and an identifying note, which makes Forrest feel like a fool. On a bus trip, Forrest rescues Chairman Mao from drowning but is criticized by Wilkins for saving America's greatest enemy. Wilkins reverses himself when Forrest is hailed as a hero by the Chinese, who suggest restoring diplomatic relations after decades of estrangement. They honor Forrest with a parade and at lunch Forrest sits beside Mao, to whom he declares the Vietnam war "a bunch of shit." Photographers capture Mao's delighted reaction. When...