Chapter 13 Summary and Analysis

Er-hong has grown up believing that the children in the West, in the capitalist countries, are deprived of food and even the most basic necessities. Her brother, Jin-ming, is skeptical of the propaganda and devours scientific magazines with information about Western technology.

Chang Shou-yu and De-hong are in constant contact with the children's teachers, urging the five toward academic excellence and providing extra lessons. They also work to make the children ethically responsible. Chang Shou-yu continues to be strict on this point, refusing to allow his children to sit in front of teachers or officials at performances. While Er-hong is not happy about the situation, she admits that her father is respected because of his stand.

The family members have evolved over the decades and face typical family issues. Jin-ming is the scientist and his parents fear he will become a...