How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Once Mom told me that she had her three children in three years because she wanted to finish the duty of having babies sooner, so she could devote herself wholeheartedly to the revolution. (1.54)
Color us impressed—that's some serious sense of duty. Clearly Ji-li's family cares a lot about China and the direction the country is going in since her parents are willing to dedicate themselves to the cause on a number of levels.
Quote #2
We knew they must be student inspectors. The newspapers had pointed out that the four olds were also reflected in clothing, and now high school students had taken responsibility for eliminating such dress. (2.48)
Narrow pants, certain shoes, and other clothes aren't just a fashion statement; they become a political one, too. Everyone is big on policing what other people are wearing, reading, saying, and doing. It's not about being a tattletale; it's about duty to their country. Or, that's what they tell themselves at least.
Quote #3
All students were directed instead to participate in the movement by writing big posters, da-zi-bao, criticizing the educational system. Rolls of white paper, dozens of brushes, and many bottles of red and black ink were brought into the classrooms. (3.2)
Ji-li describes how the school looks now that it's littered with da-zi-bao. Even though the students are told that it's their duty to support Mao and the cause, Ji-li can't wrap her head around it. She doesn't think teachers should be punished for flunking students who don't turn in work. Amen, sister.
Quote #4
To fulfill my responsibility as a revolutionary, I listed all my teachers. One by one, I considered them carefully. Unfortunately, none of them seemed to hate the Party or oppose Chairman Mao. I could not write a da-zi-bao about any of them. (3.21)
When everyone is writing da-zi-baos, Ji-li has nothing to write about her teachers. She doesn't want any of them to get in trouble for things they haven't even done, yet she's told (by her classmates) that this is her duty—she must do it. Ji-li is torn between what she knows is right and what she's told her duty is to her country.
Quote #5
"Now listen. What I want you to know is, whether or not your Grandpa was a landlord or an exploiter, it isn't your responsibility. Even I don't have a clear memory of him, so it doesn't have to matter to you at all. You can still hold your heads up. Understand?" (4.42)
Ji-li's dad tries to comfort her about her family's past, but it's not of much use. He might claim it's not her responsibility, but everyone blames her all the same for where she comes from. It soon becomes her duty to denounce her family and their so-called wicked ways, according to the Red Guards.
Quote #6
There was a tension in the air that even we children felt. The newspapers and radio were full of the campaign to "Destroy the Four Olds." The campaign had been expanded to eliminate personal possessions. "If we do not completely eliminate the roots, the plant will grow back," we heard. (6.2)
This is what Ji-li is talking about later on when she says they were brainwashed. Everywhere they turn, the people are bombarded with propaganda about their duty to the country. On the list? Getting rid of old stuff, reporting their friends' actions to the Red Guards, and changing their speech and behavior.
Quote #7
I volunteered to buy meat and vegetables at the market. This was the hardest job, but considering Grandma's age— she was over seventy— and Mom's and Dad's busy schedules, I felt it was my duty. It was also a good chance to get rid of my remaining bourgeois habits. (6.35)
Not only does Ji-li have a sense of duty to her country, she also feels an extra dose of responsibility when it comes to her family. Why? She's the oldest child and takes that seriously. She doesn't want her grandma or younger siblings to pick up the slack, so she feels obligated to do more around the house.
Quote #8
Immediately I scolded myself. How could I feel sorry for a counterrevolutionary's family member who refused to support the Red Guards? Still, I could not help going back out to look at him. (7.36)
Ji-li thinks it's her duty to despise all counterrevolutionary people and actions. After all, that's exactly what she and everyone else is taught. Here's the trouble with that, though: Ji-li feels the duty to act this way but it isn't how she genuinely feels. Instead she questions whether the punishments people are getting is fair.
Quote #9
"You are different from your parents. You were born and raised in New China. You are a child of Chairman Mao. You can choose your own destiny: You can make a clean break with your parents and follow Chairman Mao, and have a bright future; or you can follow your parents, and then… you will not come to a good end." (11.97)
Mao first, family second—or that's what everyone claims at least. Ji-li tries hard to believe this, and she feels compelled to do what's best for the Cultural Revolution. But she also has a sense of duty to her family, and she can't shake that feeling either.
Quote #10
"Now you can show your revolutionary determination." He paused. "We want you to testify against your father at the struggle meeting." (14.31)
Chairman Jin uses duty to help convince Ji-li to testify against her dad—it's the right thing to do for the country, after all. Now seems like a good time to remind you that Ji-li's basically just a kid at this point. Ugh.