- 1. The Good Earth, a novel written by Pearl S. Buck and published in 1931, is a poignant and powerful exploration of the life of a Chinese farmer named Wang Lung, who rises from impoverished beginnings to wealth through hard work and a deep connection to the land. Set against the backdrop of early 20th century rural China, the narrative illuminates the struggles and triumphs of agrarian life, the cyclical nature of fortune, and the impact of social class and gender dynamics. As Wang Lung accumulates land and wealth, he grapples with the changes in his identity, relationships, and moral values, particularly with the influence of his wife O-Lan, a slave who helps him build his fortune yet often remains in the shadows of societal expectations. Buck's richly detailed prose immerses readers in the customs, beliefs, and the agrarian rhythms of Chinese culture, while highlighting the intrinsic connection between the farmer and the earth—emphasizing themes of sustainability, the earth's bounty, and the inextricable ties between man and nature. The novel also poignantly captures the inevitable decline that accompanies the rise to power, showcasing the complexities of prosperity, loss, and the enduring struggle for dignity and humanity amidst turmoil and change.
Who is the main protagonist of 'The Good Earth'?
A) Lao Chen
B) The House of Hwang
C) O-Lan
D) Wang Lung
- 2. Which character does Wang Lung marry?
A) Lotus
B) Lao Ching
C) Pearl
D) O-Lan
- 3. What is O-Lan's original status?
A) A slave
B) A wealthy widow
C) A merchant's daughter
D) A farmer's daughter
- 4. Which natural disaster affects Wang Lung's farm?
A) Earthquake
B) Flood
C) Locust plague
D) Drought
- 5. What does Wang Lung value most?
A) Education
B) Power
C) Gold
D) The land
- 6. What does Wang Lung’s family strive for throughout the novel?
A) Stability and prosperity
B) Adventure and travel
C) Revenge and conflict
D) Power and control
- 7. What happens to O-Lan towards the end of the novel?
A) She leaves Wang Lung
B) She starts a business
C) She dies
D) She becomes rich
- 8. What does Wang Lung do with the land when it is prospering?
A) Sells it for profit
B) Gives it away
C) Invests in more land
D) Lets it lie fallow
- 9. What does Wang Lung ask for when he visits the great house?
A) Gold
B) Food
C) Wine
D) Land
- 10. What does the family face during the famine?
A) Starvation
B) Expulsion
C) War
D) Flooding
- 11. What leads to the eventual downfall of Wang Lung's family?
A) Natural disasters
B) The loss of connection to the land
C) Excessive wealth
D) Civil war
|