Literature Analysis (Fiction)

 The Good Earth

(By Pearl S. Buck)

1. The plot is about how a man (Wang Lung) went from rags to riches from the help of his wife (O-lan), but loses it all at the end.

2. The theme of this novel would be cooperation. Both work tirelessly to reach their goal, becoming wealthy.

3. Based on the tone of the author, I assume she's an early bird. Tea would be her favorite drink in the morning. Probably meditates before she writes what's on her mind, or a new novel. Her breakfast would be something light, like salad or white rice. That's how I envision the author.

4. Simile- A figure of speech that directly compares two things. Similes differ from the metaphors by highlights the similarities between two things using words such as "like" or "as".

Metaphor- A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.

Imagery- Visually descriptive or figurative language, especially in literary work.

Flashbacks- A literary device wherein the author depicts the occurrence of specific events to the reader, which have taken place before the present time the narration is following, or events that have happened before the events that are currently unfolding in the story

Foreshadowing- A literary device in which an author gives an advance hint of what is to come later in the story.

 "She clutched them greedily as a child might & held them in her hand without speech" (Ch 1, Pg. 19).

 "Within the temple snugly under the roof sat two small, solemn figures...they wore robes of red & gilt paper, and the god had a scant, drooping moustache of real hair" (Ch 1 Pg. 20)

"Well, and they must all starve if the plants starve" (Ch 8 Pg. 68).

________________

1. It was around 8th grade that I was learning a bit of Chinese history. It was so interesting that I went to our school library to see if there were any Chinese related fic/non-fic books. I found The Good Earth and reading from the description I hoped to experience the life of an Asian person. Very good book I recommend it! A lot of imagery.

2. The male protagonist, Wang Lung, was getting ready to pick his wife from the great family's house. He went to the barber to get a fresh hair cut. Apparently ears and nostrils were cleaned too but due to him being poor only one of each was clean.

3. I love reading big books as long as the story is interesting. Thin books are meh now. I recommend to my classmates or anyone that in cloudy/rainy days you make yourself your favorite coffee and eat those Maria cookies while reading your favorite book :^).

_______________