Cultural Revolution Theme in Red Scarf Girl Literature Essay Example

The Cultural Revolution, people getting tortured? Chairman Mao or her family? What will happen to Ji-li? In the book Red Scarf Girl by Ji-li Jiang, Ji-li, a young intelligent girl will live a whole new life. The Cultural Revolution will change Ji-li by making her experience fear, confusion, sadness, and hopelessness that will cause her to become more alert and responsible.

Before the impactful changes Ji-li faced, she was always very happy and free of worries. For example, the text states "I was happy because I was always loved and respected. I was proud because I was able to excel" (Jiang 4). This shows us Ji-li was able to live a life full and happiness, joy and love. It also shows us Ji-li was able to excel and didn't have to worry about failing. The author writes, "I was trusting, too. I never doubted what I was told" (Jiang 4). This demonstrates that Ji-li never had to doubt if the information she received was accurate. Instead, she was trusting and believed that everything was reliable.  Lastly, Ji-li said she achieved and grew every day which shows she was only becoming a better person and improving in several ways each day. In conclusion, before these big changes Ji-li was an extremely happy girl who was living an amazing life. 

However, the Cultural revolution took a big toll on Ji-li where she became more independent, alert, and responsible. The text states, "Now my life was defined by my responsibilities. I had promised to take care of my family, and I would renew that promise every day" (Jiang 18). This informs us Ji-li adopted several more impactful responsibilities. Now, Ji-li has several important obligations that she has to complete like taking care of her family. In addition, the text states “Once my life had been defined by my goals: to be a da-dui-zhang, to participate in the exhibition, to be a Red Guard. They seemed unimportant to me now. Now my life was defined by my responsibilities” (Jiang 18). This tells us Ji-li used to be able to do things she wanted to. But now, she had several things she must do. She had many obligations like taking care of her family.  Lastly, now Ji-li has to be careful who and what she trusts and she has to think about what she should believe. In conclusion, after these changes Ji-li became alert and a responsible person. 

From trusting, to can’t trust anyone. From being a kid to living like an adult. In conclusion, the cultural revolution made Ji-li become way more alert and responsible.