" I will deprive you of seeing a man guillotined, but there is still the mazzolata, which is an extraordinary and interesting form of punishment when you see it for the first time, and even for the second time.- (p.192) He tells of his fascination for this type of execution. .
In The Good Earth, Wang Lung, a moderately poor farmer, seeks out to redeem his bride, a slave from The Great House of Hwang, to bring her back to his home. He has a baby boy and a wonderful harvest and can't believe how such fortune from the gods has doted upon him. Then a drought sweeps the land and their family is forced to move down south to beg in the streets and work for their rare money and food. Wang then is reminded of his land at home so they depart from the south and return to what is left of their home. Wang Lung cultivates the land and eventually becomes rich and prosperous with a large family and a great sum of money. He then acquires a second wife, many servants, luxurious clothes and foods, and adds onto his home. Eventually, they are so thriving and successful that Wang purchases The Great House of Hwang and lives in that massive establishment as the most affluent man in town. After successfully marrying off his sons and daughter, he feels that his life is complete and is ready to die.
Edmond Dantes is very much similar to the character of Wang Lung. Both begin their lives prosperous, content, and to the fullest. Edmond Dantes has just gotten back from his latest voyage aboard the Pharaon and is anxious to return to his fiancée, Mercédes. Wang Lung begins this saga by waking up and readying himself for the fetching of his bride. His feelings are that of nervousness, and pride for he will bring his prize back to his abode and watch as she prepares dinner and fends for the household. Both characters are humble, caring, and gracious to others and expect nothing in return for their kind actions.