Walking Book Group - Kreager Park - Discussion Questions

[Sarah]

Here are a few discussion questions to keep in mind during our walking book group or feel free to post some of your insights here.

The Good Earth Discussion Questions

What is O-lan’s purpose in the story? Heroine, beast of burden, carrier of sin for Wang Lang or something else completely?

Do you feel this work is a true representation of this time period and region or is it influenced by Western perspectives? If it is influenced by Western perspectives, does it detract from the story?

What does the “earth” represent to Wang Lang in the story and does that change over time?

The two pearls, what do they represent in the relationship of Wang Lang and O-lan. What do they reveal about the character of O-lan?

Compare the fool and the old man to the sons of Wang Lang and O-lan.

Look forward to seeing you at Kreager Park!

[Craig]

This story has got to be at least somewhat tinted by Western perspectives, but I still felt it had a lot to tell us about a time and place mostly closed to us. I was impressed from the beginning by the startling evocation of poverty experienced by the characters. Moments like this can help put our own experiences in perspective.