The Good Earth - Book Review

Abstract

The novel, The Good Earth reflects ideologies that, in Pearl Buck's opinion, society has started to lose value for. These include attitudes about man's relation to the earth, the corrupting power of the city, and the nurturing effect of the land. The aim of my research is to examine (1) the significance of the title and (2) Buck's Romanticism with the Chinese farmer archetype. Even though 1930's society was very much about technological advancements, with the discovery of Pluto, the airing of the first TV commercial and the first jet engine patent; the traditional and rural depictions of life led to the novel being a success. The reason why the novel was received well in America and Europe was because of its candid representation of Chinese farmer life. Such writing was uncommon and therefore readers were intrigued and fascinated by this novel. The title is significant because, in those three words, the focal theme of the novel and Pearl Buck's Romantic ideologies are illustrated.

Extended Essay

Introduction

The Good Earth is a novel written by Pearl S. Buck in 1931. It depicts the life of the protagonist ‘Wang Lung', who is a microcosm for the rest of the farming population in China. The novel focuses on the hardships that he encounters in his life and how being attuned with the earth allows him to overcome these hardships. Pearl Buck's childhood and experiences in China had a significant impact on why she wanted to write the novel.

Pearl S. Buck's parents, within three months of her birth, relocated to China, where they would raise their three children. Pearl S. Buck's parents were American evangelists, intent on spreading the word of Christianity in China. Being based in China, Buck was subject to a dichotomy of views: the Christian and the Confucian way of life. Even to this day, it isn't clear what Buck's religious views are, however, both cultures had a significant impact. This is clearly shown through the, almost Christian, utilitarian way in which one of the main characters, O-lan, behaves. The Confucian influence on Buck can be seen through the main protagonist, Wang Lung, as he has a strong sense of filial piety, works hard to feed his family and does what was required of him to do according to the situation. The context in which Buck grew up significantly affected the manner in which she wrote her novel. (Huntley, 38 and Buck, 12)

Pearl S. Buck came into very close contact with the native Chinese population during her time in China because her parents wanted to integrate themselves into Chinese society. Thus, Buck gained a great understanding of the plight that Chinese