Maoist China

Although the story does not state a specific year, it is distinctly set in China under the totalitarian regime that was established by Mao Zedong. The story displays the corruption of the police state as a means of critiquing the Maoist regime in particular, and the destructive effects of totalitarian regimes in general.

Muji

Muji is a fictional Chinese city in which the story is set. Chiu and his wife spend the final day of their honeymoon in Muji, and as they prepare to return home, Chiu is unjustly arrested by two local police officers. Chiu is unable to leave Muji until he signs a statement of self-criticism and apology.

Muji Train Station

The opening scene of the story takes place near Muji Train Station. In the town square next to the train station, a railroad police officer throws a bowl of tea at Chiu. When Chiu...