The Good Earth - Wang Lung

Many times those who benefit from their hard work fail to include those who have contributed to it. Often these contributors are left out when the rewards are reaped. Such is the case in The Good Earth, written by Pearl S. Buck in 1923. The man named Wang Lung received many dividends for his dedication to the land and to his family, and, in many ways, he was deserving of it. Throughout his life, Wang Lung …

…well deserving of most of what he gained in life. He also had many faults. He was faithful to neither his gods nor his wife. He was also egotistical, which was taught to him by his society. As a result of these faults, Wang Lung could never have achieved all that he had without his wife, O-lan. O-lan handed him all of the keys to become the wealthy, successful, well-regarded man that he had become.