Symbolism In O-Lan

One way O-lan symbolizes the earth is they are both incredibly productive. She bears five children for Wang Lung, and cares for each one greatly. She binds the young daughter’s feet, which is a daunting task for both the daughter and O-lan because of the pain it causes, while continuing to work in the field. On page 30, the text stated, “They worked on, moving together-together-producing the fruit of this earth -speechless in their movement together.” Furthermore, after O-lan had given birth to a child, she immediately went back in the fields to work. On page 40, it said, “And then, almost before one could realize anything, the woman was back in the fields beside him.” This exemplifies how O-lan and the earth have similar roles in the story.