View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the vehicle called that Wang Lung's family takes to the city in the south in Chapter 10?

2. How many eggs does Wang Lung purchase in town in Chapter 4?

3. How many children does Wang Lung's uncle have in Chapter 7?

4. What color is the suit that Wang Lung wears on his wedding day?

5. Who built the Temple of the Earth where Wang Lung burns incense after his wedding?

Short Essay Questions

1. What actions are taken after O-lan gives birth to a son in Chapter 4? Why?

2. How does Wang Lung perceive the city of Kiangsu in Chapter 12?

3. What leads to Wang Lung purchasing more land from the House of Hwang in Chapter 8?

4. What preparations does Wang Lung make when he returns to his land in Chapter 15?

5. How do Wang Lung's circumstances during the winter differ from those of his uncle in Chapter 4?

6. What conflict occurs between Wang Lung and his aunt in Chapter 7?

7. Who brings Wang Lung's wife to him in Chapter 1? How is this character described?

8. How does Wang Lung respond when he discovers O-lan's jewels in Chapter 16?

9. Describe O-lan's actions when she comes to Wang Lung's home. How does Wang Lung perceive his wife?

10. What information does Wang Lung learn from others on the train in Chapter 11?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the themes of morality and necessity in The Good Earth. When does morality come into question in the course of the story? What leads this questioning? What morals do you feel the author expresses through Wang Lung’s narrative?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss the plot structure of The Good Earth. Where does the exposition transition to rising action? Where does the climax take place? What are the conflicts that the protagonist faces in the climax? How are these conflicts resolved in the denouement?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and discuss the character of Lotus Flower in the novel. How old do you suppose Lotus is when her character is introduced? Where is she from? How does Lotus differ from O-lan? What attracts Wang Lung to Lotus?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 991 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample