Chapter 17 Summary and Analysis

Chang Shou-yu says that he doesn't understand the "cultural revolution" being touted by Mao and those calling themselves the Red Guard, but that he feels it isn't right. He plans to write a letter to Mao, voicing his concerns. De-hong says he will be a moth, throwing himself into a flame, and that he will destroy his wife. While she can accept that, she says the children will become known as "blacks"—dissidents with no rights who are often brutally persecuted. He says a Communist must consider not only his own children, but all children, including those already being victimized. He is soon sent to a university meeting where pandemonium breaks out and Chang Shou-yu is called upon to restore order while other party officials leave. He is placed under house arrest, writes his letter, and asks De-hong to mail...