For a three-act plot analysis, put on your screenwriter’s hat. Moviemakers know the formula well: at the end of Act One, the main character is drawn in completely to a conflict. During Act Two, she is farthest away from her goals. At the end of Act Three, the story is resolved.
Act I
Farmer Wang Lung gets married to O-lan, and the two start a family. Things go pretty well, and life is looking up… until a drought comes. During the drought, the family is forced to go South in order to survive. But everything changes when Wang Lung and O-lan get their hands on money and a ton of jewels during a revolt. They will never be the same again.
Act II
It turns out that being rich doesn't suit Wang Lung. He gets into all kinds of trouble: he buys a second wife, Lotus, and that fills the house with drama. Then he marries his first son to a fancy city slicker, which creates even more problems. The first and second son fight. Their wives fight. And a war comes straight to Wang Lung's doorstep. What could be worse than that?
Act III
After the war, Wang Lung suddenly realizes he is old. Everything speeds by, and he prepares to die. He moves back to the old house and lives like he used to there. Ever since he got rich, he's been seeking peace, and now he's got it. We know, of course, that it won't last long, because his sons are intent on making this story "The Fall of the House of Hwang II."