RSG: Trial Prep

Trial of Chairman Mao: Witness Question Sheet
Directions: You as a witness are to write four questions and answers in the perspective of your character using the book as a reference. You should find passages from the novel in support of Chairman Mao OR evidence against him depending the side of the case you are representing. Remember to USE page numbers and POST these questions on your blog. Lawyers, use this document to create cross-examination questions. Two per character should be sufficient.

Character: Chang Hong - Student Name: Eva van Veen

1. Question: Why wouldn't you put your family before Chairman Mao?

Answer: Because even though my brother has epilepsy, needs help dressing and eating, and might not live beyond his teens, I can't stay home with him. I'm a Red Guard Committee Member, and it's my duty to follow Chairman Mao, and help China. I can't allow personal matters to interfere with my revolutionary duties. This was said on pages 204/205.

2. Question: Why do you support Chairman Mao?

Answer: In order for China to become a 'new', great society, where people are equal, and everything is shared. But for this to happen, we need a leader, and the greatest leader we could have is our Chairman Mao. We need to follow him to move forward and accomplish a better China for everyone. It's said on pages 166/167, 202-205, and 232/233.

3. Question: How did you feel about having to do summer labour?

Answer: It would help us know what the farmers had to endure, and it was part of our education. But most importantly is that Chairman Mao told us to, and to follow him means to help China grow and become greater; and we'd be part of the group that provides food for so many people. Pages 232/233.

4. Question: Why do you still try to help Ji-Li, after she showed a few times she'd choose her family over Mao?

Answer: Even if Ji-Li made some mistakes, she can still remould herself and choose to follow Chairman Mao instead. There is no difficulty, no matter how serious, that cannot be overcome, like said on page 233, and it's not her fault she was born into a black family. She's still an educable child, and can choose her own future. I don't want Ji-Li to ruin her life by not thinking about her political life, which is why I try to help her. She still has a chance. Pages 232/233.