Revolution Dinner Party
Revolution is Not a Dinner Party
Revolution: (noun) an overthrow or repudiation and the thorough replacement of an established government or political system by the people governed.
What would the world be if everything were fine, but all of the sudden, big, burly men come barging into your house looking to burn treasures of yours? In Revolution is Not a Dinner Party written by Ying Chang Compestine, nine-year-old Ling faces the Revolution of China set in the summer of 1972. That was when the entire China went backwards. Before China went berserk, Ling had a blissful life. Both her mom and dad are doctors at the finest hospital in Wuhan. During Ling’s free time, her dad teaches her English and they both listen to the Voice of America. Mrs. Wong, a neighbor of Ling’s family, is a very amiable lady who wants a daughter like Ling, but she and her husband gave birth to a baby boy. Mrs. Wong spoils her with ice cream, new, shiny clothes, and a heater. Mr. Wong is also a doctor and also works at the fine hospital. He is very serious and stern most of the time. Niu, the Wongs’ son is 11 and is like his father, serious and …show more content…
stern.
Everything is fine, but one day, a tall, burly man explodes into Ling’s living room and orders a strict command to leave the apartment immediately for an inspection.
This man was an army for Chairman Mao’s Revolution, named Comrade Li. Mao wanted him to stay at Ling’s apartment so he could convince more people to be part of the Mao revolution. While Comrade Li stays at Ling’s house, he befriends Ling and tries to persuade her into being a member of Mao’s revolution. Comrade Li makes her origami in return of ingredients for cooking. Ling’s mother is very cautious of Li and gives him everything he wants because she’s afraid he she causes a fight with Li, bad consequences will happen. Just like giving a burglar your money so he won’t steal any of your money. I, personally, feel bad for Ling’s mother because she has to put up with all
this.
Everything changes when Ling gets a taste of the dreadful revolution. Their friendly neighbors, Mrs. Wong and Mr. Wong get taken to a Chinese Labor Camp. Leaving Niu living in Ling’s house. Right before Ling’s eyes, her world changes. Her father is a janitor and makes only one-half of what he used to, her mother needs to work as an emergency room nurse who works from 11PM-6AM. On top of that, Chairman Mao has insisted to ban real money in some areas of groceries. The new ticket rules are to be applied to buying meat, soap, and fish. In order to have food put on the table, Ling is compelled to sneaking in the back door to get meat and fish. The ordinary customers put rocks to hold their places for the next day. The revolutionists used to whip people for being _____________. But that was not all; the worst used to be that revolutionist took their children and forced them to turn against their parents. Niu does exactly that. He denounces Ling’s parents and walks away leaving Ling’s parents feeling like old piece of meat.
Ling’s journey through China’s revolution shakes things up. But one thing the revolution cannot take from her, bravery.
Bravery: (noun)
1.Brave spirit or conduct; courage; valor.
2.Showiness; splendor; magnificence.
Revolution: (noun) an overthrow or repudiation and the thorough replacement of an established government or political system by the people governed.
What would the world be if everything were fine, but all of the sudden, big, burly men come barging into your house looking to burn treasures of yours? In Revolution is Not a Dinner Party written by Ying Chang Compestine, nine-year-old Ling faces the Revolution of China set in the summer of 1972. That was when the entire China went backwards. Before China went berserk, Ling had a blissful life. Both her mom and dad are doctors at the finest hospital in Wuhan. During Ling’s free time, her dad teaches her English and they both listen to the Voice of America. Mrs. Wong, a neighbor of Ling’s family, is a very amiable lady who wants a daughter like Ling, but she and her husband gave birth to a baby boy. Mrs. Wong spoils her with ice cream, new, shiny clothes, and a heater. Mr. Wong is also a doctor and also works at the fine hospital. He is very serious and stern most of the time. Niu, the Wongs’ son is 11 and is like his father, serious and …show more content…
stern.
Everything is fine, but one day, a tall, burly man explodes into Ling’s living room and orders a strict command to leave the apartment immediately for an inspection.
This man was an army for Chairman Mao’s Revolution, named Comrade Li. Mao wanted him to stay at Ling’s apartment so he could convince more people to be part of the Mao revolution. While Comrade Li stays at Ling’s house, he befriends Ling and tries to persuade her into being a member of Mao’s revolution. Comrade Li makes her origami in return of ingredients for cooking. Ling’s mother is very cautious of Li and gives him everything he wants because she’s afraid he she causes a fight with Li, bad consequences will happen. Just like giving a burglar your money so he won’t steal any of your money. I, personally, feel bad for Ling’s mother because she has to put up with all
this.
Everything changes when Ling gets a taste of the dreadful revolution. Their friendly neighbors, Mrs. Wong and Mr. Wong get taken to a Chinese Labor Camp. Leaving Niu living in Ling’s house. Right before Ling’s eyes, her world changes. Her father is a janitor and makes only one-half of what he used to, her mother needs to work as an emergency room nurse who works from 11PM-6AM. On top of that, Chairman Mao has insisted to ban real money in some areas of groceries. The new ticket rules are to be applied to buying meat, soap, and fish. In order to have food put on the table, Ling is compelled to sneaking in the back door to get meat and fish. The ordinary customers put rocks to hold their places for the next day. The revolutionists used to whip people for being _____________. But that was not all; the worst used to be that revolutionist took their children and forced them to turn against their parents. Niu does exactly that. He denounces Ling’s parents and walks away leaving Ling’s parents feeling like old piece of meat.
Ling’s journey through China’s revolution shakes things up. But one thing the revolution cannot take from her, bravery.
Bravery: (noun)
1.Brave spirit or conduct; courage; valor.
2.Showiness; splendor; magnificence.