Analysis Of Wang Lung In The Good Earth

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Recommended: Relationship between Wang Lung and O-Lan in the Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck

The relationship between Wang Lung and his wife O-Lan, in the novel the Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck, evolves as Wang Lung changes. This development of Wang Lung's character is a result of his rise in wealth and social status, which is something very important to him. Unlike him, o-Lan does not change as they become wealthy. She remains quiet and respectful for the most part, and cares for Wang Lung and the family like a traditional Chinese woman would. The relationship between O-lan and himself is not necessarily romantic, it is a relationship in which O-Lan is viewed by Wang Lung as something close to property.

In the beginning of the novel, Wang Lung tries to impress his wife even though she is not physically attractive to him. He …show more content…

Because his winter garments are torn and dirty, he opts not to wear them despite the cold weather. In one last measure to impress her with his appearance, he decides to wear his long robe, the only one he owns. Usually, this garment is reserved for feast days and special occasions. The relationship between them stays the same for a while. He appreciates her work ethic, both in the house and out in the fields. He seems very pleased that she delivers him a son and returns to work in the house the very next day. O-Lan knows how to make the most of everything, letting few things in the house go to waste. After the family returns from the South, Wang Lung discovers the jewels O-Lan stole from the abandoned house poor people in the city robbed. In a nice gesture, Wang Lung lets O-Lan keep two pearls. Soon the family begins to prosper from the land Wang Lung buys, land he could afford because of the things they stole. At this point, Wang Lung starts to treat O-lan differently. He is angry at her for having big feet, as a result for not having her feet bound as a child, and for being big boned. Upon his request, she begins to sleep in another room. The pearls that Wang Lung let her keep are taken from her

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