How we cite our quotes: (Chapter. Paragraph)
Quote #1
"There is that about you which makes me think of one of the lords in the great house.” Wang Lung laughed loudly then and he said, “And am I always to look like a hind when we have enough and to spare?” But in his heart he was greatly pleased and for that day he was more kindly with her than he had been for many days. (19.56)
Sometimes, it's hard not to think that Wang Lung is just being monumentally stupid. Far be it from us to judge, but this old broad died penniless and alone, right? We're not sure that that seems like a great role model, but hey, Wang Lung can do what he wants, we guess.
Quote #2
But there were some who would not sell their land, and when they had nothing wherewith to buy seed and plow and oxen, they sold their daughters, and there were those who came to Wang Lung to sell, because it was known he was rich and powerful and a man of good heart. (28.16)
Hmm, where have we seen this before? That's right: when Wang Lung and his family had to go to the South during the first famine. So not much has changed, except Wang Lung is the big shot now. Do you think he's aware of the cycle of fortune and misfortune he's a part of? Does he learn from the past?
Quote #3
And when it was done and the wedding day set, he rested and sat in the sun and slept even as his father had done before him. (29.17)
They always say that you turn into your parents when you get older. We just didn't think they meant exactly like them. Anyway, how similar are Wang Lung and his father in the end? Is Wang Lung as an old man similar to his father as an old man? How is he different, if at all?