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The Good Earth Study Guide

by Pearl S. Buck

The Good Earth study guide contains a biography of Pearl S. Buck, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

The Good Earth is a family saga centered on the figure of Wang Lung, a simple farmer in the village of Anhwei. The novel opens on Wang Lung's wedding day, when Wang Lung arrives at the Great House of Hwang to claim his bride. He is a poor man who has come to marry a slave, the only wife he can afford, and for this reason he is very aware of his inferior status. The Old Mistress asks that they bring their first-born for her to see. Wang Lung agrees and departs with O-lan, now "his woman."

O-lan is plain and simple, though a hard worker. She plans the wedding feast, and Wang Lung and his father are pleasantly surprised by the delicacy of her food. That night, they consummate the marriage.

Wang Lung is happy in his life with O-lan. She is a…

Read the full The Good Earth Summary

• The Good Earth Summary
• About The Good Earth
• Character List
• Glossary of Terms
• Major Themes
• Summary and Analysis of Chapter 1
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 2-6
• Summary and Analysis of Chapter 7-9
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 10-11
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 12-13
• Summary and Analysis of Chapter 14
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 15-19
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 20-21
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 22-24
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 25-26
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 27-28
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 29-31
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 32-34
• Buck's view on Literature and Literary Theory
• The Nobel Prize and Pearl S. Buck
• Wang Lung (the short story)
• Gender in Buck's work
• Related Links on The Good Earth
• Suggested Essay Questions
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 1
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 2
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 3
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 4
• Author of ClassicNote and Sources

• The Good Earth: Major Themes
• The Good Earth: Questions
• The Good Earth: Purchase the Novel and Related Material
• Pearl S. Buck: Biography