Nobel Laureate 1938 Pearl S. Buck

Nobel Laureate 1938 Pearl S. Buck

Pearl S. Buck (1892–1973) was an American novelist renowned for "The Good Earth," which earned her the 1932 Pulitzer and the 1938 Nobel Prize in Literature. Raised in China by missionary parents, she was inspired to write. After serving as a missionary and marrying, she returned to the U.S., prolifically writing and advocating for women's rights and racial equality. 

Short Biography 

Pearl Comfort Sydenstricker Buck or Pearl S. Buck, was born in Hillsboro, West Virginia in 1892. At five months old, she journeyed with her family to China, residing primarily in Zhenjiang near Nanjing. These experiences ignited her passion for writing. 

Despite the family's integration into Chinese culture, the Boxer Uprising strained relationships. Buck's early education reflected both Western and Chinese influences, fostering a unique perspective. 

Buck's voracious reading included Charles Dickens, despite her father's objections. In 1911, she departed for Randolph-Macon Woman's College, graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 1914. 

Despite never intending to return to China, her familial obligations led her back in 1914, where she swiftly immersed herself in missionary work. 

Marrying John Lossing Buck in 1917, the couple settled in Suzhou, Anhui Province, before relocating to Nanjing in 1920. Here, they both took up teaching positions at the University of Nanking, with Pearl teaching English literature. 

The loss of her mother to tropical disease in 1921, followed by her father's move-in, added to the family's emotional burden. In 1924, they briefly returned to the United States during which Pearl earned a master's degree from Cornell University. 

Upon their return to China, her experiences during the tumultuous years in China, including the harrowing events of the "Nanking Incident 1927," provided rich material for her literary endeavors. 

In 1929, Buck returned to the United States and it was during this time that her relationship with Richard J. Walsh, her publisher at John Day publishers in New York, deepened, culminating in marriage. 

After divorcing her husband in 1935, she married Richard Walsh the same day. Their partnership at Green Hills Farm in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, facilitated her prolific writing career. 

Despite her deep affection for China, Buck was denied reentry after the Communist Revolution in 1949. Her novel "Satan Never Sleeps" shed light on Communist tyranny, leading to her condemnation during the Cultural Revolution. 

The Nobel Prize committee, in awarding Pearl Buck the prize in 1938, praised her for fostering human empathy across racial divides and for her masterful portrayal of human ideals. 

Drawing parallels between Chinese and Western literature, she emphasized the novelist's duty to connect with ordinary people. Buck expressed her desire to reach a wide audience, prioritizing accessibility over artistic sophistication. 

Her extensive body of work, spanning novels, short stories, and biographies, tackled racism, sex discrimination, and the plight of Asian war children. 

Notably, in 1949, she founded The Welcome Home, a foster home for mixed-race children, later transformed into an international adoption agency. 

Before her death from lung cancer on March 6, 1973, she entrusted her royalties and possessions to Creativity Inc., controlled by Harris. 

Pearl S. Buck's literary prowess and humanitarian endeavors left an indelible mark on history. Despite critiques of her writing style, her works challenged cultural perceptions and garnered popular sympathy for China. 

Her first novel, "East Wind, West Wind," was published in 1930, followed by her most famous work, "The Good Earth," which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1932 and earned her the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1938. 

She also wrote biographies, short stories, children's books, and an autobiography. Additionally, she wrote novels under the pseudonym John Sedges. 

A previously unpublished manuscript, "The Eternal Wonder," was discovered after her death in 1973. Buck's legacy extends through her literature and humanitarian efforts. 

Her Best Two Works 

Pearl S. Buck's literary career is notably defined by two of her most celebrated works: "The Good Earth" and "Sons." These novels not only showcase Buck's remarkable storytelling abilities but also offer profound insights into the human condition, cultural dynamics, and societal change. 

The Good Earth (1931) 

Published in 1931, "The Good Earth" is perhaps Buck's most famous and enduring work. Set in pre-revolutionary China, it follows the life of Wang Lung, a humble farmer, as he navigates the challenges and triumphs of rural life. 

The novel vividly portrays the struggles of Wang Lung and his family against the backdrop of a changing society, including famine, social upheaval, and personal ambition. 

Through Wang Lung's journey, Buck skillfully explores themes of love, family, wealth, and spirituality, offering a nuanced portrayal of Chinese culture and values. 

Wang Lung, in particular, undergoes a remarkable transformation from a simple farmer to a wealthy landowner, grappling with the moral implications of his newfound success. 

Buck's depiction of O-Lan, Wang Lung's stoic wife, also stands out, offering a poignant commentary on the role of women in traditional Chinese society. 

"The Good Earth" received widespread acclaim upon its release, earning Buck both the Pulitzer Prize in 1932 and the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1938. 

Sons (1932) 

Published in 1932 as a sequel to "The Good Earth," "Sons" further explores the lives of Wang Lung's descendants in a rapidly modernizing China. 

While the first novel focuses on Wang Lung's rise from poverty to prosperity, "Sons" delves into the complexities of generational conflict, cultural change, and the struggle for identity. 

In "Sons," Buck expands her narrative scope to encompass a broader social and historical context, depicting the impact of Western influences, political upheaval, and urbanization on traditional Chinese values. 

Through the perspectives of Wang Lung's sons, Buck examines the tension between tradition and modernity, as well as the enduring legacy of the past on future generations. 

Like its predecessor, "Sons" is praised for its compelling characters, vivid imagery, and profound thematic depth. 

While perhaps overshadowed by the monumental success of "The Good Earth," "Sons" remains a significant and thought-provoking work in its own right, offering a compelling continuation of the saga begun in its predecessor. 

Together, these two novels stand as enduring testaments to Pearl S. Buck's literary talent and her profound understanding of the human experience. 

Her Contributions 

Pearl S. Buck's contributions to literature, social justice, and cross-cultural understanding are profound and far-reaching. 

Buck's literary legacy is marked by a diverse body of work, including novels, short stories, biographies, and children's literature. 

Her ability to weave compelling narratives while addressing complex themes earned her critical acclaim and widespread popularity. 

Through her writing, she challenged prevailing stereotypes and offered nuanced portrayals of Chinese culture, society, and history. 

Her works provided Western readers with valuable insights into a culture that was often misunderstood or misrepresented. 

Buck was a vocal advocate for social justice, using her platform as a writer to address issues such as racism, sexism, and poverty. 

Her commitment to civil rights, women's rights, and disability rights was reflected in both her writing and her activism. 

She spoke out against discrimination and inequality, advocating for greater inclusivity and compassion in society. 

Buck's humanitarian efforts extended beyond her writing, as she actively worked to improve the lives of marginalized communities, particularly children. 

Buck played a pivotal role in fostering cultural understanding between East and West. Her portrayal of Chinese characters with empathy and humanity helped demystify Chinese culture and challenged Western stereotypes. 

Criticisms 

While Pearl S. Buck's contributions to literature and social justice are widely celebrated, she also faced criticism and controversy throughout her career. 

Some scholars and readers argued that her perspective was inherently limited by her outsider status, leading to oversimplified or stereotypical depictions of Chinese society. 

Critics accused Buck of exoticizing Chinese culture and perpetuating orientalist tropes, reducing complex and diverse traditions to simplistic caricatures. 

In her ealier works, characters were sometimes criticized for being one-dimensional or lacking depth, with their motivations and actions appearing overly determined by the narrative's themes. 

Critics argued that Buck's portrayal of Chinese characters often fell into stereotypes, failing to capture the full complexity and humanity of individuals within Chinese society. 

Buck's writing style has also been a subject of criticism. Critics noted instances of repetitive language and clichéd imagery in her writing. 

While Buck's storytelling abilities were widely acknowledged, her prose was sometimes criticized for lacking subtlety or nuance, particularly in her treatment of emotional themes. 

Her criticism of U.S. foreign policy and advocacy for peace and diplomacy with Communist countries led to backlash from conservative circles. 

Buck's support for progressive causes, including civil rights and women's rights, also drew criticism from those who opposed social change and reform. 

Conclusion 

Pearl S. Buck's contributions extended beyond literature, shaping society and inspiring future generations. Her commitment to social justice, humanitarianism, and cultural understanding through storytelling embodies the transformative power of compassion. While criticisms exist, understanding Buck's work within its historical context is crucial. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

Why did Pearl S. Buck get the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1938? 

Pearl S. Buck received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1938 for her compelling portrayal of life in China, particularly exemplified in her renowned novel "The Good Earth." Her ability to bridge cultures and depict the human condition resonated deeply with readers, earning her this prestigious recognition. 

What are the contributions of 1938 Nobel Prize winner Pearl S. Buck to literature? 

Pearl S. Buck, the 1938 Nobel Prize winner in Literature, made significant contributions to literature through her vivid portrayal of life in China and her exploration of the human condition. Her most famous work, "The Good Earth," provides profound insights into the struggles of Chinese peasants, earning her international acclaim. Buck's ability to bridge cultural divides and offer compelling narratives enriched the literary landscape, making her a seminal figure in literature.