Pearl S. Buck's The Good Earth offers a rich tapestry of themes and character developments, beginning with the pivotal moment in Chapter 18. Here, the previously reserved O-Lan confronts Wang Lung, displaying a depth of character that had been largely concealed. Before this confrontation, O-Lan is portrayed as a submissive and industrious wife, quietly toiling to support her family. However, during this exchange, she reveals a hidden strength and a voice that demands attention, marking a significant shift in her character and challenging the dynamics of her relationship with Wang Lung.

Parallel to this, Chapter 16 presents the decline of the Hwang family through Cuckoo's insights. This decline mirrors the potential future of Wang Lung's family as they amass wealth and become susceptible to the same pitfalls of excess and moral decay. Wang Lung's rise to prosperity brings with it the threat of complacency and the erosion of traditional values, drawing a cautionary parallel to the Hwangs' downfall.

The characters of O-Lan and Lotus embody qualities that can be seen as both "typically" feminine and distinctly Chinese. O-Lan's unwavering dedication and resilience highlight traditional feminine virtues, while Lotus's allure and artistic grace reflect cultural ideals of beauty and femininity in Chinese society.

The Good Earth also intertwines elements of Romanticism and naturalism. The Romantic aspects are evident in the novel's reverence for nature and the idealization of rural life, while the stark depiction of poverty, human struggle, and the influence of environment on destiny aligns with naturalist themes. This blending creates a narrative that is both idealistic and brutally honest about the human condition.

Set against this literary backdrop, the portrayal of Chinese society in the 1930s drew criticism from the government of the time. The novel's candid depiction of the socio-economic divides, the plight of women, and the stark realities of rural life likely challenged the idyllic image the government wished to project, leading to its objections. Buck's work, while celebrated internationally, prompted introspection and perhaps discomfort within the Chinese elite, as it exposed realities that were often glossed over or ignored.