What are the similarities between Wang Lung and Hwang family?Consider that Wang Lung became as rich as the Hwang family. What happened to both of...

Wang Lung and the Hwang family are similar in that wealth
destroyed their sense of morality and family values.  The House of Hwang fell into ruin
and bandits stole the money from the house.  The old lord remained, but he was severely
addicted to opium and could not function on his own.  Wang Lung sees this as the perfect
opportunity to get more land because the old lord will sell the land for a good price to
maintain his drug habit.  Wang Lung is enticed by the symbol of wealth that the Hwang
house carries, and he dreams of one day being able to have a house like it for him and
his family.  When Wang Lung does become wealthy, he begins to lose his sense of morality
in order to gain symbols of wealth.  For example, he takes O-lan's pearls to give to
Lotus, and breaking O-lan's heart is not at all important to Wang Lung compared to
keeping Lotus happy.  Wang Lung's family is divided, and his wives live in separate
courts.  His sons fight and disagree with one another's way of life.  All this to
maintain the image of wealth.