Mao’s Last Dancer

Mao’s Last Dancer

by

Li Cunxin

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George Bush Character Analysis

George Bush an American politician and the husband of Barbara Bush. At the time of the events described in Mao’s Last Dancer, he serves as an American Ambassador to the United Nations and China (1971–1974) and Vice President of the United States (1981–1989) under President Ronald Regan. In these roles, he participates in greater cultural exchange between the United States and China and personally intervenes to help Cunxin during his 1981 defection and with getting visas for Niang and Dia to visit in 1984.
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George Bush Character Timeline in Mao’s Last Dancer

The timeline below shows where the character George Bush appears in Mao’s Last Dancer. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 18: The Filthy Capitalist America
The Power of Stories Theme Icon
Freedom vs. Repression  Theme Icon
...in Houston. Cunxin can hardly believe how wealthy and powerful people like Louisa Sarofim or George and Barbara Bush live. They have priceless artwork and indoor pools, and they seem, in... (full context)
Chapter 22: Defection
Opportunity, Hard Work, and Success Theme Icon
Freedom vs. Repression  Theme Icon
...the Chinese Consulate is holding eight Americans hostage. Charles calls the office of Vice President George Bush to inform him of the situation. Bush calls his Washington contacts, and by midafternoon,... (full context)
Chapter 24: A Millet Dream Come True
Opportunity, Hard Work, and Success Theme Icon
Love and Family Theme Icon
...been ostracized by China since his defection. Two days later, Barbara, her husband Vice President George Bush, and the current Chinese cultural attaché watch Cunxin dance in Swan Lake. Afterwards, the... (full context)
Chapter 26: Russia
Opportunity, Hard Work, and Success Theme Icon
Love and Family Theme Icon
Freedom vs. Repression  Theme Icon
...Lou for dinner. When she arrives, Betty Lou shows Cunxin a letter from Vice President George Bush. The letter explains that when Bush heard that Cunxin’s parents had applied for visas,... (full context)