Study Guide to The Good Earth by Pearl Buck

A comprehensive study guide offering in-depth explanation, essay, and test prep for Pearl Buck’s The Good Earth, the winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1932.


As a novel of the mid-twentieth century, The Good Earth was inspired by Buck’s experience living in China during the Boxer rebellion with her missionary parents. Moreover, the novel shows the author’s intense interest for people through description of the cycle of life. This Bright Notes Study Guide explores the context and history of Buck’s classic work, helping students to thoroughly explore the reasons it has stood the literary test of time. Each Bright Notes Study Guide contains:


- Introductions to the Author and the Work

- Character Summaries

- Plot Guides

- Section and Chapter Overviews

- Test Essay and Study Q&As


The Bright Notes Study Guide series offers an in-depth tour of more than 275 classic works of literature, exploring characters, critical commentary, historical background, plots, and themes. This set of study guides encourages readers to dig deeper in their understanding by including essay questions and answers as well as topics for further research.