Chapter 19 of Wild Swans. The author's father is highly principled; he is still very loyal to the ideas which originally fashioned the Communist Party. He writes a letter to Chairman Mao.

Do you think this will change events at this point in China?

Although we tend to think society won't ever change, circumstances can develop very rapidly. A fluid situation can throw up people who seize opportunities, take advantage of change, and manage events in their favour. They shape what happens next, for good or bad.

Can you think of people you've studied in history who you would say shaped events?