Reconsidering American Orientalism

In the 19^th century, China was, to most Europeans, only a blank space in the map of the world, immense, remote and mysterious. It was considered as a primitive, barbarous and exotic land. American orientalism has its root in Europeans' distorted impression of the Orient. America's interest in China has been growing with the expansion of its global influence. However, at the beginning of the 20^th century, the distorted image of China still remained the same in Americans' mind. Chinese culture was seen to be full of mysteries and exoticism. It was Pearl S. Buck who fanned the flames of curiosity with her epic novel-The Good Earth, which was based on her many years of unique experience in China and her close contact with Chinese culture. It influenced at least two generations of Europeans and Americans on their perception of China.Informing the public through her popular fictions and fervent social activities, Buck succeeded in solving the myths about China. She took an active role in recasting the image of Asia and Asians. However, due to her national identity and unique experience, she can't avoid being influenced by conventional bias held by the Americans which can be found in her works. This thesis tries to reconsider American orientalism through the study of The Good Earth.The introduction part gives an introduction to the life experience of Pearl S. Buck and her literary achievements and lists. Chapter One gives the definition of Orientalism and introduces the history and characteristics of American orientalism, as well as the traditional image of China in Americans' mind. It also reviews Pearl S. Buck's critique of American orientalism, as well as the influences and criticisms of her masterpiece The Good Earth. Chapter Two presents an authentic Chinese voice in The Good Earth by showing features of China such as the traditional social customs and practices, the family system and continuity of life, and peasants' desires for land. Chapter Three reveals American orientalism embodied in the novel by demonstrating the subtle topics of race, gender and domesticity. The conclusion of the thesis focuses on both the positive and negative sides of pearl S. Buck's achievements. On one hand, she seems to speak for China; while on the other hand, her ideas of American orientalism can also be found in The Good Earth. Now reconsidering her life and works, we should view them from a historical and objective perspective.