CHAPTER 15

Summary

With the stolen gold, Wang makes preparations to return home. In Kiangsu, he buys good seeds, including celery, lotus, and red beans, none of which he has previously planted. He buys an ox and pays more for it than he should have; he it too excited about returning to the land to worry about the price of things. When he returns home, he finds that the trees are in bud, and the time is right for planting. Upon the family's arrival in Anhwei, they discover that their house has been rampaged, but that can easily be fixed. The important thing is that the land has not changed; it is permanent and it still belongs to Wang. He gains strength from his good earth.

When his neighbors come to him asking for help, he instead demands who has pillaged his house. His neighbor Ching announces that his uncle had a hand in it. Seeing Ching's deplorable state, Wang Lung gives him food and promises to till his land. Wang Lung and O-Lan then buy beds, tables, and benches. Feeling their fortunes have turned, they even buy incense sticks and candles for the gods. Wang worries about their newfound prosperity and prays to the gods to watch over them. He also hopes that O-Lan, who is pregnant once again, will deliver a son.

Notes

In this chapter, a new life begins for Wang Lung's family. His dream of returning to his land is fulfilled. He is comforted by the permanence of the good earth and begins to cultivate it immediately. He is also pleased with his new prosperity and prays to the gods to watch over them. Wang's ability to be religious seems to be based upon his personal situation. When he was poor and forlorn, he ignored the gods, almost in retaliation for them having ignored him. Now that he is feeling whole again, he tends to and prays to the gods.

Ching's friendship with Wang Lung is further strengthened in this chapter. When questioned about who pillaged their home, Ching tells Wang that his uncle had a part in it. Wang appreciates his honesty; he also has not forgotten that Ching had given them some beans at their time of distress. As a result, Wang promises to help his neighbor.

O-Lan's abilities are again seen in this chapter as she goes about resurrecting her house. One has to admire her for her tremendous will power, her strength, and her resourcefulness in the face of any challenge or calamity.

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