Wang's Uncle and New Life 9/25

Wang Lung's uncle did not have a very good first impression on me. The way Wang described him and held conversation with him made me feel like something was wrong between them. His uncle also didn't want to see his own brother, Wang's father. His wife is lazy, his kids are useless, and his land doesn't grow. Wang's aunt claims it's an evil destiny. It doesn't seem like his uncle is willing to work for the necessities in life, where as Wang is determined to suvive. The way Wang's uncle isn't willing to work makes me think of him as a lazy, self-centered, bum of a man, who will tear down anyone who looks like they're doing well in life.

Another important part of the book was when Wang moved his family. When Wang decides to take his family south, he knows things will be different, and he desperately hopes it will be for the better.They leave their home, their land, and their lives to go south for the hope of something, even just slightly, better than before. Wang isn't used to begging, he's used to being able to provide for himself. So when begging is the only way to support his family, Wang is very uncomfortable. He decides to earn money by taking people to and from their destinations. Men start telling him that he needs to argue for better pay. Since Wang Lung isn't used to doing this, he doesn't take action. Wang enjoys life in the city because of the food and shelter provided. I don't think he's having an easy time adjusting. Without his land, his house, and his home city, I believe that Wang is lost and powerless.