A few weeks ago we discussed the various characters’ approaches to suffering in Nectar in a Sieve. One character fights it, one spends all her time yearning for the past, and another believes he has to just make the best of what he has in life and not fight what’s dealt to him. We discussed the fact that each of these approaches has value depending on the situation. The Serenity Prayer by theologian Reinhold Neibuhr also addresses the question of how to deal with life’s pain . . . but how does one know which reaction is best?
One of my favorite quotes about how important it is to be thankful is this one:
“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow,” (Melody Beattie) What are you thankful for this holiday? Be specific - we are all thankful for food, family, and friends - why specifically are you thankful for these things? Why did the author begin the novel by telling us that Nathan dies and that she adopts a boy who’s not related to her? What’s the point of giving away the ending? What other books or movies do you know that use this technique (i.e. structure the story this way)?
Another central theme in this novel is that family relationships are far more important than “stuff,” status, or even education. Rukmani describes her romantic partnership with her husband, her beautiful relationship with her daughter, and the tender relationship that forms between her and Puli. What relationships mean the most to you in your life? Who in your family would you say you are closest to? Why is that relationship so important to you? Do you agree with the author that relationships are more important than one's status, possessions, etc.?
Consider the relationship Rukmani and Nathan have with their adult children. Does this seem typical of their culture? How is it similar to our culture? How is it different? How has your relationship with your parents changed now that you are only a couple years from adulthood and no longer a child?
One important theme in this novel is that suffering is a part of life, so we need to find healthy ways to deal with suffering and still find happiness despite it. Rukmani, Nathan, and Kenny all endure suffering in different ways. Which character’s attitude about suffering do you identify with the most? Why?
“Foolish woman,” Nathan said. “There is no going back. Bend like grass, that you do not break,” (ch. 4, p. 28). Do you think this is wise advice? Describe a time in your life something major changed for you (e.g. moving, family changes, new school, etc.). Did you react as Nathan advises or did you spend a lot of time yearning for the past?
Watch this two minute video: https://youtu.be/_IbNj7zGP7I Pearl S. Buck was said to be a “builder of bridges between China and the rest of the world.” What new information from the video did you learn about this novel's influence? What struck you about the culture in pre-Revolutionary China as presented by Buck in this novel? (Consider aspects of the culture such as religion, traditions, family life, and the relationship between rich and poor, men and women, and children and adults.)
What are your thoughts on "luck" or "fate," as this novel portrays it? How much responsibility do you think we have over what happens to us? Which character's attitude about luck vs. diligence do you relate to most in this novel?
It’s become pretty clear that Wang Lung’s sons are spoiled and ungrateful, especially the eldest. When he doesn’t get his way, he whines and complains until his father indulges him. As one author put it: “Ingratitude breeds unhappiness.” How have you seen this play out in your own life? If being spoiled (i.e. always getting what you want) makes a person unhappy, what’s the remedy for that unhappiness?
A prominent theme of The Good Earth is that people are created to work and to use their bodies in a way that allows them to see the fruits of their labor. When people lose connection to work, and when they become idle in their creativity, they lose connection to life and to others.
Reread the last 3 paragraphs of chapter 21. It seems the only place Wang Lung feels free is when he is working his land. “Then a voice cried out in him, a voice deeper than love cried out in him for his land. And he heard it above every other voice in his life…” First, do you agree with Buck’s theme that work is essential to happiness? Second, in what “work” (such as a job, a chore, a hobby, a creative task, etc.) do you find satisfaction? “Nevertheless, through this experience Wang Lung learned what the young men had not taught him, that he belonged to his own kind, who have black hair and black eyes.” (chapter 12)
The author knew what it was like to grow up as an outsider, having been a missionary kid in China. How old were you the first time you experienced belonging to your “own kind”? Describe when you first discovered another culture/religion/ethnicity. I'd like to continue the discussion we began in class today: Review the short video. Why is the stuff you learn in school important beyond the classroom and "getting good grades so I can get into a good college..."?
(Note: A transcript of the video is here, in case you prefer to read instead of watch it.) |
Non-Western LiteratureGuidelinesThe whole purpose of this assignment - whether you're reacting to an idea, sharing your own story, or analyzing the reading - is to discuss the ultimate issues of life. With that in mind, make sure that you: Archives
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