As much as Mao’s cultural revolution tore families and friends apart, there are rare instances where relationships were strengthened though hardships imposed by Mao. The forced labor and re-education of Chinese youths often created a communal aspect in the mountains and villages where these people worked. A good example of this is between two friends, Ma and Luo. Their story shows the dedication of Ma to his friend Luo, and is a prime example of how not everything about re-education was awful, and how it could strengthen character.
Several months after being at the Mountain of the Phoenix, the re-education site of a few “intellectual youths”, Ma and Luo befriend a Little Chinese Seamstress. After spending time with her, Luo has strong feelings for the seamstress, and pursues a relationship with her. While he ventures back into the city to visit his dying father, he places his relationship with the seamstress in the hands of the Narrator. Mao, the Narrator, also has feelings for the seamstress, but this is a time when we see the true dedication and respect for his friend. Ma also has feelings for the seamstress, and wishes it was him who the seamstress loved. Despite his feelings, he carries out his task with the utmost seriousness, and never tries to take his friends place. He even puts what remains of his freedom on the line when he seeks out an abortion for his friend’s child. He does however sacrifice what means the most to him, his favorite novel. This is a prime example of how dedicated to narrator is to the people who mean the most to him. In the end, the seamstress leaves both boys abruptly, but they realize this is a part of life and they must accept it. They are however, left with a strengthened relationship because of the events that took place on the mountain, and Ma does not regret any of his decisions.
Nice Overview.
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