How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"This is the true family background," Dad said. "I am not a rightist, and anyone who says I am can go to my work unit and confirm it. As for your Grandpa, he was a businessman and a landlord." (4.37)
As Ji-li's dad explains their family history to her, he emphasizes the fact that this is the truth. Um, okay. That's easy to say when you've been covering up the truth all these years. It's no wonder Ji-li isn't really sure what to believe—she wants to buy it, but at the same time she doesn't want to be gullible.
Quote #5
The Red Guards at her school held struggle meetings to criticize her almost every day. During those struggle meetings they beat her and whipped her with their belts. (9.3)
An Yi's mom (who was a model teacher) gets in big trouble with the government. People say horrible things about her, and while Ji-li knows this isn't the truth, she still feels conflicted. If people are lying about the teachers being bad, what else are they lying about? Ji-li isn't sure whom she can trust anymore.
Quote #6
"Maybe it's really true." It seemed clear to me all of a sudden. "It's just because of fate that we're being hurt. It's just fate that made us be born into black families. And now the wheel of fate is turning. Maybe our families will be free of trouble soon." (9.28)
Even the way Ji-li comes to this realization seems skeptical. She needs answers; she's sick and tired of trying to come up with an explanation for all the bad stuff that's happening in her life. As she clings to the idea of fate, she's not sure if it's just another lie or not.