The Good Earth - October 2007

Now Reading - The Good Earth by Pearl Buck
an epic story of a farmer and his family struggling to get by in early twentieth century China.
Discussion Questions:
1. When The Good Earth was published, some critics called it a universal story. Is is still universal now? What is a "universal story?"
2. Do the events that unfold in The Good Earth make the title a true statement or an ironic one? In what ways?
3. Practices such as infantcide or taking a concubine are very foreign and seomtimes distressing for western readers. How does Buck help you to understand the complexity of these practices? Can you think of things we do that may be considered strange to others?
4. What do you think of the character of O-lan, his wife? What kind of power does she hold in the family?
Have comments? Add yours to this post.