Pearl S. Buck as A Practical Idealist: Patriotism, Humanity and Political Responsibility in The Patriot

Abstract

Pearl S. Buck holds a unique place in the literature of the twentieth century due to her continual involvement with the questions of culture, history, politics, identity and human values. Her patriotic novel The Patriot (1939) offers an important literary framework on how to look at the connection between patriotism, humanity and political responsibility. Within the backdrop of the riotous Chinese politics of the day, the novel features the personal and ideological conflict of Wu I-wan whose political awakening slowly changes his perception of loyalty, nationalism and duty. The essay presented in this paper contends that in The Patriot, Buck comes out as a pragmatic idealist who does not oppose the commitment to patriotism nor does he believe in political ideology without question. Rather, she is trying to balance the national responsibility and universal human values. This paper discusses how Buck portrays patriotism as a moral and ethical duty as opposed to political loyalty. The events of revolutionary activism, exile, cultural displacement, personal relations, and I-wan later experiencing the national crisis in China show the intricate mechanism whereby political idealism is transformed into mature and effective patriotism. The article also examines the conflict between personal liberty and the duty to the community, showing that political realities defy the personal wishes and ethical beliefs of the protagonist. The way in which Buck treats revolutionary nationalism also demonstrates her worry of the human cost of political warfare, especially displacement, sacrifice, divided allegiance, and family and personal relations being uprooted. This paper employs a humanistic and textual approach to understanding The Patriot as a historical narrative as well as a moral understanding of political commitment. It argues that the practical idealism of Buck is in her efforts to make humanity the centre of patriotism. Finally, the novel indicates that true patriotism can be effective when the national loyalty is put into conscience, compassion, responsibility, and respect to human dignity. In this way The Patriot shows how Buck had a unique literary vision where political dedication and humanism on the whole can be held without the need to compromise on moral responsibility.