1931: The Good Earth to Of Thee I Sing

Chronology of World, British and American Literature

Pearl Buck. American. 1931. Novel. The Good Earth. Rise of Wang Lung, Chinese peasant, from poverty to position of rich landowner.

Eugene O’Neill. American. 1931. Play. Mourning Becomes Electra. Trilogy. Based on Oresteia of Aeschylus. Set in stark New England. Puritan conscience is the American equivalent of the Furies. Conflict between Puritanism and romantic passion.

Antoine de Saint-Exupery. French. 1931. Novel. Night Flight. Director of air line imposes harsh discipline on pilots to raise them above self-centered concerns; will to challenge, overcome the dangers of the profession.

George S. Kaufman. American. 1931. Play. Of Thee I Sing. Satirizes American party politics.