She is also primarily responsible for Wang Lung's wealth, a fact that he never fully acknowledges. She embodies the giving qualities of the earth. However, despite these superficial flaws, O-lan has a rich inner life and continually exhibits resourcefulness, practicality, loyalty and patience. Her feet are large and thus considered unattractive. She is plain, which causes her much shame and hurt throughout her life. Previously, she had served for ten years as a servant in the House of Hwang, as a kitchen slave. When the house goes into decline she dies from her opium addiction. She is the woman who gives O-lan to Wang Lung. Old Mistress of the House of HwangĪ symbol of the excess of wealth, she is an opium addict, a woman used to luxury and cruelty. To end his mischief, Wang Lung turns his uncle into an opium addict. These criminals leave Wang Lung alone because of his presence in the house. At the same time, he keeps Wang Lung 'safe' since he is one of the heads of an infamous band of robbers, the Red Beards. He causes Wang Lung much grief, inciting a mob to raid his farm at the beginning of the novel. He often asks Wang Lung for money, and when his nephew gets rich he moves his family into Wang Lung's house. The epitome of greed, Wang Lung's uncle parasitically lives off of his hard-working brother and nephew. During the course of the novel, he is often a voice of wisdom and a witness to the changes that the family undergoes.

As tradition dictates, Wang Lung must care for him in his old age. Wang Lung's father exemplifies the role of elders in traditional society. His one unwavering characteristic is his love of and appreciation for the land. Sometimes innocent and naive, sometimes brave and pragmatic, generally gentle and caring, Wang Lung reflects the myriad thematic elements of the text, for example the role of tradition, of beauty, and of marriage. The protagonist of the novel, a Chinese peasant at the beginning and a rich landowner by the end.

The good earth by pearl s buck