Questions for writing or discussion Ch.

19-21 The Good Earth

1. Do you think the first paragraph of Chapter 19 is consistent with how “fate” has been
discussed thus far in the book? Has Wang Lung changed in this regard?

2. Do you think Buck is making any commentary on the role/rights of women when she
constantly describes Wang Lung as being totally ignorant of women’s lives and thoughts
(182)? Do you think we are meant to judge Wang Lung for this?

3. Do you think it is meant to be surprising/ironic that Wang Lung is pleased when

compared to one of the great lords (184)? Do you think Wang Lung is hypocritical,
considering the way they looked down on him before?

4. Why do you think in Buck describes the moment Wang Lung takes away the pearls from
O-lan as being the first time O-lan visibly cries (186)?

5. How does Buck seem to treat Wang Lung’s adultery? Are we meant to view it as
immoral?

6. What do you think Buck is saying about sexuality and love in her repetition of the idea
that “whole love” does not last for Wang Lung (200, 206, 210)? How might this relate to
the motifs of hunger, thirst, and sickness in these chapters?

7. Why do you think Wang Lung’s feeling for the land is described as a “voice deeper than
love” (211), and why does he so earnestly return to his land?