57 pages 1 hour read

Liang Heng, Judith Shapiro

Son of the Revolution

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1983

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Essay Topics

1.

In Son of the Revolution, first Liang’s mother, then his father, are criticized by the government and lose their status in society. Describe Liang’s reaction to these two situations. How does his response differ in each case? What might account for these differences?

2.

At the beginning of the memoir, Liang’s father has an unwavering faith in the Communist Party. How does Father’s attitude toward the Party and the Cultural Revolution change as the memoir continues? Does his belief in the Party help or hurt Father and his family, and how does it do so?|

3.

When the Cultural Revolution begins, Liang and his classmates eagerly engage in criticisms of their teachers. How does their behavior mirror the actions of Chinese citizens as a whole? Why does Father punish Liang for participating in these criticisms, even though Father supports Mao and the Party?