Heroism (Simile)
Mei is inspired by women who made a significant impact in China. Through her modeling career, Mei hopes she will be a revolutionist hero. Mei says, "I want to live like a hero." Mei is confident before her friends, and she assures them that nothing will stop her from emerging victorious in whatever she does.
Drowning (Simile)
Mei is determined to leave the village and relocate to the city. Village life for girls is predictable. For instance, girls get married immediately after they mature, and their dreams die in there. Mei knows that staying in the village will ruin her life. Mei says, "Every day here felt like drowning." Therefore, when an opportunity comes, the communist party recruits Mei, and she relocates to the city to pursue her career.
Butterflies (simile)
The elite politicians are opulent in whatever they do in Beijing. One of the most luxurious political figures in the city is Mao. Mao loves entertainment, leisure, and sex. The narrator says, "Young women surround Chairman Mao like butterflies.” Mao annually recruits beautiful young girls from the village to come into his residence to dance for him. Mao loves seeing young girls entertaining him.
