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. How tall is the Western Pagoda said to be in Wang Lung's village in Chapter 18?

2. How old is Wang Lung's eldest son when Wang sends him to be educated?

3. In O-lan's last words before dying, she says, "Beauty will not" do what?

4. What is described as the color of mourning that Wang Lung and his family wears after O-lan's death?

5. How old is Wang Lung's youngest daughter in Chapter 25?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Wang Lung's young cousin do that causes conflict in Wang Lung's house in Chapter 31?

2. How does Wang Lung respond when O-lan warns him of his eldest son visiting Lotus in Chapter 24?

3. What decision does Wang Lung make regarding his second-eldest son in Chapter 25?

4. What is significant about Wang Lung's uncle's revelation that he is associated with the redbeards in Chapter 23?

5. What impact does O-lan's illness have on Wang Lung's household in Chapter 26?

6. How does Wang Lung perceive his family and children in Chapter 17?

7. How does Wang Lung's family go about relocating to the city in Chapter 29? Who is the last to leave the land?

8. What causes Wang Lung to become restless in Chapter 18?

9. How is O-lan's behavior as she lays dying described in Chapter 26?

10. How does Wang Lung respond when he discovers his eldest son in Lotus's court in Chapter 24?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the character of the “poor fool” in The Good Earth. What has caused this character’s mental disabilities? How does Wang Lung feel about this character and what is their relationship like? How is this character perceived by O-lan?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the themes of superstition, faith, and luck in The Good Earth. What symbolism relates to these themes? What color is symbolic for fortune and luck to Wang Lung? How are these themes developed through character and setting in the novel?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and discuss the characters of Wang Lung’s uncle and aunt in The Good Earth. How does Wang Lung differ as a farmer and a businessman from his uncle? How does Wang Lung’s aunt differ from O-lan? Are these characters likable? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 921 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample