Destroy the Four Olds, pgs. 19-37 Summary and Analysis

Ji-li and her brother and sister rent picture books at Grandpa Hong's stall and then sit on the wood benches and read them. Her friend An-Yi comes and tells them that a crowd is breaking the sign at the Great Prosperity Market. This is part of the Destroy the Four Olds campaign so they go to watch, and is part of the Cultural Revolution which began in May. They rush to Nanjing Street to watch.

The crowd watches as the men try to break the sign. Ji-yung helps stomp on the sign. The men finally break the sign with an axe. As the children walk home, they point out other store signs that are in conflict with the new China.

That night at dinner, they are surprised at their grandmother's reaction...