Filial piety is another traditional value from which Lung’s sons have strayed. Wang Lung, and his ancestors before him, all practice a traditional value called filial piety, which is basically just respecting elders. In this custom, the older members of the household are treated with the utmost respect and are never disobeyed or denied. To defy an older family member is considered unlawful. Even though this ideal is important, Wang Lung’s sons go directly against their father 's wishes. Wang Lung’s youngest son defies his father 's wishes and becomes part of the army instead of living a simple farm life. Wang Lung’s sons go behind his back and sell his land. Not only do they sell his land behind his back they do it while he was on his