The Good Earth Study Guide

The Nobel Prize and Pearl S. Buck

When Pearl S. Buck received the Nobel prize in 1938 she caused a great deal of disruption. Many novelists and critics did not consider her work to be extensive or comprehensive enough to merit this sort of recognition. Further, there were those who believe that a woman author could not deserve this prize, and that she was too young to be considered. Indeed, she is the first woman to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature, the second being Toni Morrison in 1993. There have also been many who have stated that her work declined after receiving the award.

Perform some research on this controversy. Also, look at Pearl S. Buck's acceptance speech (you can find it by checking the Related Links section). What was her reaction to the Nobel Prize? What aspects does she highlight in her speech? How can you connect them with the themes that she develops in her literary work or in her public persona?