Although it does not concern The Good Earth, another argument for concubinage concerns a wealthy man who has to travel. The first wife could not under any circumstance leave the house or the responsibilities for running the household, and a man was not expected to practice sexual abstinence during his travels. Thus, a second lady would generally accompany the master and her position took on legal status since she could not be deserted. Even though her position was not equal to that of a wife, yet various formalities were observed on her entrance to the household, and she was deserving of certain rights. If the first wife died, then she was elevated to that position and another lady was acquired to travel with the master.
In most households, there were two types or two kinds of concubines. The first, as noted above, was acquired through legal formalities and occupied a position from responsibility. The second type was purchased from a tea house, as was Lotus Flower. In either case, as with Wang Lung, the possession of a concubine was a sign that a man had wealth and enough money to devote himself to some of the finer refinements and joys of life. Thus the possession of a concubine brought Wang Lung prestige and respect.
The duties of the concubine were quite simple. She existed solely and completely for the entertainment and sexual gratification of her master. She was not expected to perform any household duties or to have any responsibilities other than those of the bed chamber. She was provided usually with a separate court of her own, and she was expected to remain in those quarters and always be ready for her master's desires. Whatever power and influence she possessed came solely from her ability to captivate her master and to gain his total favor. This was easy for Lotus Flower since Wang Lung has an all-consuming desire for Lotus Flower. Her beauty, including her small feet, totally captivated him.
In conclusion, a wife was expected to bear male children while the concubine was expected only to please her master. Furthermore, the wife had certain prescribed duties and was in charge of running the household, including the training of the girl children in the proper matters pertaining to managing their own households. The concubine, however, had no duties — except to keep herself beautiful and alluring for her master and to satisfy his every sexual desire.
