Red Scarf Girl Literary Elements

Autobiography

Shanghai, China, beginning in 1966, during the Cultural Revolution

The narrator is the author, Ji-Li, and she narrates from her own perspective as a twelve year old girl whose life and family are destroyed by the Cultural Revolution.

The over-riding mood is that of fear. The tone is also one of great injustice.

Ji-Li is the protagonist. Chairman Mao is the antagonist.

There is conflict within Ji-Li herself as she struggles to come to terms with her new reality; she does not know how she feels about the new regime but knows that she is required to support it. She wants to support it but wants to remain loyal to her family and knows that it is not possible to do both. The majority of the conflict described in the book is within Ji-Li herself.

The climax comes when the Revolution is over and life can return to a more normal state.

Ji-li's father tells her that she will not pass the background check to join the dance troupe and this foreshadows the fact that her family will be ostracized for being well to do, and that she will be rejected from the Red Guard.

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Throughout the book, the author alludes to the political situation in China and the gross injustices done in the name of Communism.

The imagery is dark and threatening, emphasizing emotions and feelings so that the author makes it possible for the reader to identify with their fear and foreboding. The way in which the Red Guards are described also enables the reader to picture a terrifying and militaristic force that create the fear described.

Although the Cultural Revolution has brought nothing but suffering to her family Ji-li still remains a supporter of Mao and wants to become a member of the Red Guard.

There is a parallel between the wealth and success of Ji-li's ancestors and the terrible treatment that she and her family receive from the Red Guard.

The New Government is the name given to Mao and his cohorts who are oppressing the Chinese people.

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