Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels came up with Marxism theory. the origin of the theory is philosophical but literature scholars take it and apply it to literary works. Marxism discusses about social class through economic status. What is most significant in Marxism is the exploitation of the rich and the struggle of the poor. Pearl S. Buck is well-known for her historical fiction, The Great Earth. It tells the story of Wang Lung and family in poverty prior to World War I. The story started with Wang Lung taking a wife, a sign that he had money. Then, having children. During that time, having many children was thought to be blessings. Wang Lung's wife, O-lan used to be slave to the wealthy Hwang family. She gave birth to three daughters and three sons to Wang Lung. However, due to famine, the family had to sell everything they had except the land and house, and had to move to the south. Marxism is very significant here when Wang Lung's family had to beg for money from the rich metropolitan men. Wang Lung's son even had to steal meat to keep their bellies filled. Upon this, Wang Lung threw a tantrum saying that he did not raise his son to be a thief. O-lan took the meat and cooked it nevertheless. Food riot occurred and Wang Lung reached to the point that he had to threaten a rich man in order to survive. Another Marxism that is seen in the story is Wang Lung's uncle. He was always the problem with the family. He came to ask for money to buy opium from Wang Lung by abusing his status as an elder. He used his status as Wang Lung's 'uncle' to get all the advantages to himself. Wang Lung eventually gave enough opium for him to stop visiting and cause trouble.
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