The Good Earth Quotes

Disconnected from The Good Earth

The land beneath our feet is the foundation of life, providing nutrients to plants, and a home for animals. In the beginning of The Good Earth, Wang Lung is deeply connected with the Earth due to his farming occupation, yet as he becomes prosperous, he gradually distances himself from the foundation of life. Throughout the novel The Good Earth, by Pearl S. Buck, Wang Lung maintains a strong work ethic and passion however, the cultural collision between traditional, agricultural culture and elite culture modifies Wang Lung’s character by disconnecting him from the earth, modifying his perception of women, and diminishing the role of theology. Wang Lung’s transition to elite society diminishes the significance

Wang Lung’s cultural background and “life” is rooted “from the earth” (Buck 35), Throughout the story, the quantity and quality of crop yields correlates to the economic status of Wang Lung and his family, demonstrating their substantial reliance on the earth. Wang Lung’s reliance on the earth also illustrates the significance of tradition and family value in Chinese culture. Similarly to his father before him, Wang Lung dedicates his life to harvesting the family plot of land. The intimate relationship between Wang Lung and the land directly shapes the moral character of Wang Lung, by defining his customs, traditions, and habits. Because his values, beliefs, and his plot of land which has been transmitted through generations, the relationship with the Earth serves as a cultural constant, connecting Wang Lung to his ancestors before him. Wang Lung displays dedication by utilizing scarce resources to “(wring) food from” his “sweat” and “life” (35) invested into the Earth, ultimately facilitating the family’s

Throughout the novel, The Good Earth, Wang Lung abandons his initial values, such as his connection with the earth, his perception of women, and his rooted theology. Wang Lung’s culture is revived, consisting of a fusion of his traditional roots and elite culture, forming a unique individual. The transformation of Wang Lung’s character depicts the uniqueness of individuals within world population. Wang Lung, like everybody on earth, differed from those prior to him because he was molded by his life experiences and surrounding cultures. Though his heritage act as the roots to his belief system and the foundation of his culture, the environment and life experiences are like flowers, making an individual's character beautiful and unique.The Good Earth utilizes cultural collision with Wang Lung’s life to expose the readers to the development of one’s character. By setting the novel in culture rich China, during the modernization period, the surrounding environment significantly contributes to the theme of modification of culture throughout the novel. Our initial culture acts as the foundation beneath an individual's feet, providing a basis of beliefs, however what flourishes one into a unique character is the life experiences and surrounding