The Good Earth
by Pearl S. Buck
Author: Pearl S. Buck was the child of American missionaries. She grew up in Imperial China,
a country unchanged for thousands of years. She was the first person to make China accessible
to the West, recreating the lives of ordinary Chinese people in The Good Earth, an overnight
worldwide bestseller in 1932. Buck went on to become the first American woman to win the
Nobel Prize for Literature (Spurling, Hillary. Pearl Buck in China: Journey to The Good Earth,
New York: Simon & Schuster, 2010).
Setting: Late 19th Century Pre-Revolutionary China (during the reign of the Last Emperor)/Early
20th Century Post-Revolutionary China
Major Characters: Wang Lung, O-lan, Wang Lung’s father, Wang Lung’s uncle, Wang Lung’s
uncle’s wife, Ching, the Old Lord and Old Mistress of the House of Hwang, Cuckoo, Nung En
(Elder,) Nung Wen (Younger,) Lotus, Wang Lung’s eldest daughter, Wang Lung’s uncle’s son,
Liu, Wang Lung’s youngest son and daughter (twins,) Pear Blossom
Chapter 1:
1. On the morning of Wang Lung’s wedding day, the reader learns that Wang Lung is
worried about the dry, hot weather. He senses a good omen, however. What is this
omen? What does Wang Lung know will happen “within a few days?”
2. What has been Wang Lung’s morning ritual for the past six years?
3. Wang Lung mentions various household tasks that will now be completed by his new
wife. What are these tasks? What can the reader infer concerning the role of women in
China during this time period?
4. Where does O-lan live before marrying Wang Lung? What is her position in that
household?
5. How does the reader know that the Lung family is poor? What is Wang Lung’s
occupation?
6. How does O-lan’s employer (“Ancient Mistress of the House of Hwang”) describe O-lan
to Wang Lung?
7. Describe Wang Lung and O-lan’s wedding ceremony. Where does it take place? Who is
present? What happens?
8. Rain. Water. Rice. Money. How are these images discussed in the first chapter? What
might these foreshadow?
Chapter 2:
1. Describe O-lan’s life in the first few months of her marriage to Wang Lung. Is she a
dutiful wife?
2. What one thing does Wang Lung wish O-lan would do? What does he hope to learn?
3. What significant event occurs by the end of Chapter 2?
Chapter 3:
1. What worries Wang Lung at the beginning of Chapter 3?
2. Why does Wang Lung give O-lan money?
3. Describe the circumstances surrounding the birth of Wang Lung and O-lan’s son.
Chapter 4:
1. How can Wang Lung afford to host such a lavish party for his son’s one month birthday?
2. Wang Lung and O-lan are both frugal. Define “frugal.” How does the reader know this?
Why does Wang Lung refrain from visiting the other houses in their village?
Chapter 5:
1. Describe the rituals of the first and second days in the Chinese New Year.
2. O-lan visits her former employer. She breaks her usual silence and speaks about what
she sees in the House of Hwang to Wang Lung. What does she say? What does she
infer?
3. What are O-lan’s reservations toward Wang Lung buying land from the House of
Hwang? Why does she eventually agree?
Chapter 6:
1. At first, Wang Lung regrets buying land from the House of Hwang. Why?
2. Explain the significance of the line, “And so this parcel of land became to Wang Lung a
sign and a symbol.”
3. Why is Wang Lung disappointed when he first discovers O-lan is pregnant with their
second child?
4. At the end of Chapter 6, the Lung family is considered blessed because of which two
significant events?
Chapter 7:
1. How does Wang Lung describe his uncle? Why does he consider his uncle and his
uncle’s family “trouble?”
2. The reader learns more about how women are viewed in China during this time period;
this is most evident in the conversation between Wang Lung and his uncle’s wife.
Describe this conversation from both perspectives.
3. What is the basis for the argument between Wang Lung and his uncle in the fields? Why
does Wang Lung agree to “lend” money to his uncle?
4. When Wang Lung enters the house to get silver for his uncle, he learns that O-lan has
given birth to their third child. How does O-lan respond to the birth? How does Wang
Lung respond to the birth? Why does O-lan protest the lending of silver to Wang Lung’s
uncle?
Chapter 8:
1. The lack of rain has had what effect on the House of Hwang? On Wang Lung’s crops?
2. Wang Lung’s family has not eaten for days. It is decided that they will get food from
what source? Who carries out the act?
3. Although Wang Lung cannot spare much, what does he give his uncle? How does his
uncle respond?
4. Who incites the men of the village to raid Wang Lung’s house? How does O-lan
convince them to leave?
5. Only one thing comforts Wang Lung at the end of Chapter 8. What is it?
Chapter 9:
1. Only one member of the Lung family is given food. Who is it? What can the reader infer
concerning the role of the elderly during this time period in China?
2. Who gives the Lung family food before O-lan gives birth?
3. Describe the events surrounding the birth of O-lan’s fourth child. What can the reader
infer from the expression on O-lan’s face when Wang Lung walks into the room? What
happens to the baby girl?
4. What does Wang Lung’s uncle offer to do? What is Wang Lung’s response? How does
O-lan support him in this decision?
5. How do Wang Lung and O-lan get the small amount of money they do have when they
leave for the “south?” Is there hope that they will return one day?
Chapter 10:
1. Describe Wang Lung’s emotions as he leaves his house and his land.
2. What is a “firewagon?”
3. Why does Wang Lung refer to his daughter as “the little slave?”
Chapter 11:
1. What advice do other men and women give to Wang Lung on the “firewagon?”
2. What is a “ricksha?”
3. Describe the city where the Lung family arrives. What does O-lan instantly know she
can do to help her family?
4. Why is Wang Lung shocked at the public kitchens? What does the guard tell Wang
Lung?
5. The reader learns that O-lan used to do what before she was sold as a slave? Describe her
emotions when she does this again for food. How does she involve her children in this
act?
6. How does Wang Lung make money during this time?
7. Describe the life of a ricksha puller.
8. What advice does the money changer give Wang Lung?
Chapter 12:
1. The Lung family has reason to be happy at the beginning of Chapter 12. What is it?
2. What are the differences that Wang Lung notices between Kiangsu City and the small
village of Anhwei, where he was born?
3. How does Wang Lung react when he see an American for the first time?
4. How do Wang Lung’s sons get food for their family? What is O-lan’s reaction to this?
What is Wang Lung’s reaction?
Chapter 13:
1. Describe the differences between the richer parts of Kiangsu City and the area where the
Lung family lives.
2. Wang Lung desires to return to his land. However, he realizes there is no money. Wang
Lung and O-lan do have one possession they can sell. What does O-lan suggest they do?
What does Wang Lung suggest they do?
3. A man approaches Wang Lung and suggests he do what with his daughter?
Chapter 14:
1. Why is Wang Lung called a “pig-tailed country bumpkin?” How does the reader know
that Wang Lung cannot read?
2. Wang Lung is given two pictures. What is in the first picture? What is in the second?
3. A man tells Wang Lung the significance of the second picture. How can the reader infer
that there is socioeconomic unrest in China during this period?
4. Wang Lung does not understand the presence of soldiers in the city. What is happening?
Why does O-lan caution Wang Lung?
5. Describe the mob that sweeps up Wang Lung as the rebels enter Kiangsu City.
6. How does Wang Lung get money to return to his land?
Chapter 15:
1. What do Wang Lung and O-lan find when they return home?
2. What does Wang Lung offer to do for Ching? What has happened to Ching in the Lung
family’s absence?
3. Describe the good fortune that the Lung family feels at the end of Chapter 15. Once
again, Wang Lung is happy. Why?
Chapter 16:
1. Wang Lung discovers a secret of O-lan’s that shocks him. What is it? Describe O-lan’s
story.
2. Wang Lung decides to do what with the jewels? What is O-lan’s one request? What can
the reader infer from O-lan’s request?
3. What had happened to the Old Mistress of the House of Hwang?
4. To whom must Wang Lung speak when he enters the House of Hwang?
5. What does Wang Lung learn about the Old Lord and his slave Cuckoo from the
shopkeeper?
6. What is the exchange between Wang Lung and Cuckoo?
Chapter 17:
1. Describe the fortunes of the Lung family at the beginning of Chapter 17. Why does
Wang Lung insist O-lan work in the house?
2. O-lan gives birth to twins. What is the connection that Wang Lung makes between the
pearls and the twins?
3. Why does Wang Lung refer to his eldest daughter as “my little fool?”
4. Describe the circumstances that bring Ching into the Lung family. What is his role?
5. Although Wang Lung’s fortune grows, what is his one shame? Why does this compel
him to place Nung En and Nung Wen in school?
Chapter 18:
1. What is happening to the land at the beginning of Chapter 18? Why is Wang Lung not
worried?
2. What is the cause if Wang Lung’s “ill temper” around the house?
3. Describe the relationship between Wang Lung’s father and elder daughter. How does
Wang Lung begin to view his wife, O-lan?
4. O-lan describes the Chinese tradition of “foot binding.” Find a resource that assists you
in comprehending this tradition. What do you now know?
5. Wang Lung feels conflicted concerning how he has regained his wealth. What is his
ultimate decision concerning O-lan’s theft?
6. What has become of the House of Hwang?
7. Where does Wang Lung encounter Cuckoo again?
8. What is happening on the upper floors of the tea house?
Chapter 19:
1. What reasons does the narrator give for Wang Lung returning to the tea house? Who
greets him there?
2. What is the “sickness which is greater than any a man can have?”
3. Describe Wang Lung’s feelings for Lotus.
4. What are the changes that O-lan begins to notice in Wang Lung?
5. Wang Lung spends all of his money on Lotus. What does he ask O-lan to give him?
Chapter 20:
1. Who returns to Anhwei at the beginning of Chapter 20?
2. How does O-lan learn that Wang Lung is seeing another woman? What is the advice
given to O-lan?
3. Describe O-lan’s feelings toward Wang Lung bringing Lotus into the household.
4. What are Lotus’ living conditions in Wang Lung’s household? Who bathes and watches
over Lotus?
Chapter 21:
1. Describe the complicated relationship between Cuckoo and O-lan. How does their
shared past affect current emotions in Wang Lung’s household?
2. Which three women bond in the household? Does this bother Wang Lung? Why?
3. Lotus angers Wang Lung when she calls the eldest daughter an “accursed idiot.” How
does he respond? What can the reader infer concerning how Wang Lung feels toward his
eldest daughter?
4. At the end of Chapter 21, Wang Lung is once again comforted by an old friend. Who or
what comforts him?
Chapter 22:
1. “So now again Wang Lung was healed of his sickness of love by the good dark earth of
his fields and he felt the moist soil on his feet and he smelled the earthy fragrance rising
up out of the furrows he turned for the wheat.” Explain the significance of this passage.
What has land always meant for Wang Lung? What has caused him to have “sickness?”
2. What is our modern term for “beancurd?” (Consult a resource to discover the answer.)
3. Wang Lung asks Ching for advice concerning what matter?
4. How does Nung En anger his father? Who stops Wang Lung from severely hurting Nung
En?
5. O-lan offers what advice to Wang Lung concerning their eldest son?
Chapter 23:
1. Where does Cuckoo tell Wang Lung he can seek out a wife for Nung En?
2. Where has Nung En been going during the night? How does Wang Lung discover this?
3. Why is Wang Lung angry with his uncle and his uncle’s son?
4. Wang Lung knows he can be rid of his uncle by going to the magistrate and telling him
that his uncle is a “Redbeard.” What does this mean? (Consult a resource to discover the
answer.)
5. Explain the marital agreement that Cuckoo arranges with the grain merchant, Liu.
6. What is in the “black sky” that causes the men of the village to be fearful?
7. Although his crops were in danger, Wang Lung feels restored once again by his land.
How is the turmoil inside Wang Lung’s household in stark contrast to the land that brings
him comfort? Explain how the two can be indicative of Wang Lung’s personality.
Chapter 24:
1. What is Nung En’s desire at the beginning of Chapter 24? How does Wang Lung
respond?
2. Describe the change in Lotus’ character since she first entered Wang Lung’s household.
3. How does the reader know that O-lan is quite ill?
4. Who tells Wang Lung that Nung En has been visiting Lotus? Although Wang Lung does
not believe, he concocts a plan to “see for himself.” What is this plan?
5. How does Wang Lung react to finding Nung En and Lotus together?
6. Wang Lung gives a direct order to Nung En at the end of Chapter 24. What is this order?
Chapter 25:
1. Describe the differences, in Wang Lung’s eyes, between Nung En and Nung Wen.
2. What are Wang Lung’s plans for Nung Wen?
3. When Wang Lung meets with Liu, they arrange a marriage between Wang Lung’s second
daughter (the twin) and Liu’s second son. Describe the act of betrothing children during
this period in China.
4. What does Wang Lung learn from his second daughter? Why does this disturb him?
5. Why does Wang Lung bring a doctor to the house? What does the doctor tell him?
6. What causes Wang Lung to weep at the end of Chapter 25?
Chapter 26:
1. Describe Wang Lung’s actions and emotions during the winter that O-lan is dying.
2. O-lan confronts Cuckoo. What does she say to her?
3. What does O-lan say will happen if anyone enters her room or touches her things after
she is dead?
4. How does Wang Lung convince Liu to send Nung En’s betrothed to the house earlier
than had been planned?
5. What is expected of Nung En’s betrothed?
6. Describe the rituals of preparing a young woman to be married.
7. What is the atmosphere like in Wang Lung’s household during the wedding ceremony?
8. What significant event occurs the night of the wedding?
9. Wang Lung loses another family member in this chapter. Who else passes away?
10. Describe a funeral during this time period in China.
11. What does Wang Lung regret after seeing O-lan’s grave? What is the connection that he
makes toward O-lan and his land?
12. Why would Pearl S. Buck have a wedding and two deaths in the same chapter? What is
the significance of these two events in life?
Chapter 27:
1. What makes Ching uneasy at the beginning of Chapter 27?
2. Describe the flooding that occurs in Anhwei.
3. What happens to the magistrate of the village?
4. There is a drastic change in the relationship between Nung En and his cousin. What
causes this change?
5. Why are Wang Lung and Nung En angry at Wang Lung’s uncle? What does Nung En
propose as a solution to this problem? How does Wang Lung respond? Nung En offers
another solution. What is it?
6. Wang Lung’s nephew commits a terrible crime. What is it? Why does this prompt Wang
Lung to visit Liu?
7. After Liu offers to help him, Wang Lung visits a tobacco shop. What does he buy there?
Chapter 28:
1. How is Wang Lung able to buy land so “cheaply” in the beginning of Chapter 28?
2. What good news does Nung En give his father?
3. Besides land, what else does Wang Lung buy?
4. Nung En suggests that his father move the household to the vacant House of Hwang.
Why does this intrigue Wang Lung? What would be the irony of such a move?
5. Nung Wen tells his father something that he does not know about Nung En’s wife. What
is it?
6. What kind of a wife does Nung Wen seek?
Chapter 29:
1. Chapter 29 begins, “In these days when Wang Lung had decided a thing he could not do
it quickly enough.” What “thing” is being discussed here? What can the reader infer
about Wang Lung’s personality.
2. What does Wang Lung request of Ching?
3. Where does Wang Lung’s uncle’s son go? Why is Wang Lung in complete support of
this?
4. Describe Wang Lung’s emotions when his grandson is born.
5. Ching’s death has a profound effect on Wang Lung. Chart their relationship from the
beginning of the novel until Ching’s death in Chapter 29.
6. Although Wang Lung once thought of his eldest daughter as a curse, how does the reader
know at the end of Chapter 29 that he truly cares for her?
7. Which members of Wang Lung’s household are moved to the House of Hwang? Which
ones stay behind?
Chapter 30:
1. What are Nung En’s requests in the new house? Whose marriage is in “six months?”
2. The poor people of Anhwei now refer to Wang Lung as what?
3. Nung Wen voices concern to his father concerning what behavior? What are the
differences between Nung En and Nung Wen?
4. Wang Lung still wishes for “peace.” What is missing in his life at this point?
5. Wang Lung’s third son (the twin) is to have a scholar. What did Wang Lung originally
hope his youngest son would do? Who takes this role?
6. Why does Wang Lung envy his grandson?
7. After Wang Lung’s uncle dies, what happens to his uncle’s wife?
Chapter 31:
1. What is occurring at the beginning of Chapter 31?
2. The men in town come to Wang Lung’s gates, each carrying an “implement of some sort
with a knife sticking out of the end.” From this description, in addition to one of the men
calling his friends “comrades,” the reader can infer that this war is different than those
described earlier in the novel. What is this conflict? What can the reader predict will
happen to the riches of Wang Lung?
3. Which relative is in the mob of men at Wang Lung’s gates?
4. How does this relative act toward each member of Wang Lung’s family?
5. What are Wang Lung’s uncle’s son’s requests? What happens to the slave Pear
Blossom? When the mob leaves, does Wang Lung’s uncle’s son go with them?
Chapter 32:
1. A slave bears Wang Lung’s uncle’s son’s child. Why is Wang Lung happy that the child
is a girl?
2. What does Wang Lung promise the slave?
3. Describe the “troubles” between Wang Lung’s two daughters-in-law. Describe the
“troubles” between Wang Lung and Lotus.
4. What does Wang Lung’s youngest son desire? What are the ideological differences
between the two?
5. Wang Lung’s youngest son wants to marry whom?
Chapter 33:
1. Wang Lung calls upon Pear Blossom for what reason? What happens instead? Who is
angry upon seeing Pear Blossom and Wang Lung?
2. What are Lotus’ demands when Cuckoo tells her about Wang Lung and Pear Blossom?
3. Describe the conversation between Nung Wen and Wang Lung concerning the land.
4. What troubles Nung En concerning his father’s recent behavior?
5. What does Wang Lung’s youngest son declare at the end of Chapter 33? Why is he so
angry at the sight of Pear Blossom? What is Pear Blossom’s reaction to this?
6. There is only one chapter left in The Good Earth. Why would Pearl S. Buck include
conversations between Wang Lung and all three of his sons? What can the reader infer
from the order of conversations (second son [Nung Wen,] first son [Nung En,] third son)?
What purpose does a chapter like this serve?
Chapter 34:
1. Wang Lung is worried about the fate of his eldest daughter. What does he ask Pear
Blossom to do when he dies? How does Pear Blossom respond?
2. How does Pear Blossom describe her love for Wang Lung?
3. One day Wang Lung has a conversation with one of his numerous grandchildren and then
with Cuckoo. What does he learn about his sons, daughters-in-law, and other
grandchildren?
4. In what cause, specifically, is Wang Lung’s youngest son involved?
5. Wang Lung visits his land and finds the place where he wants to be buried. Next to
which four graves does he want to be buried? These four are “more clear to him” than
any of his sons or their families. Wang Lung is close to only which two surviving
members of his family?
6. What does Wang Lung ask of Nung En?
7. Wang Lung overhears his sons planning to sell the land after their father dies. What is
Wang Lung’s response? How do Wang Lung’s words complete the theme of “land” in
this novel?
8. What do the sons of Wang Lung plan to do, regardless of what they have told their
father? How does the reader know this?
9. Pearl S. Buck spent her childhood in rural China. What are specific traditions that are
mentioned in the book of which an “outsider” would be unaware?