Kino, the main character in the novel "The Pearl" is an example of a common man faced with the daily concerns and dangers of living in poverty. From the start to the end of the novel Kino develops drastically. At the beginning of the novel he is shown to be a kind and loyal husband but as the story continues he becomes an 'animal,' a man whom is driven by greed and willing do anything for money.
When the story begins, Kino is a man perfectly content with his situation despite the lack of material possessions; he wants nothing more than to be able to support his family. After a scorpion stings Coyotito, Kino's only child, he prays that he could find a pearl to pay for the doctor's fees.
After many long hours of searching the sea floor, Kino finds a spectacular pearl , one that only dreams are made of.
Pink Pearl
Steinbeck - "The Pearl"
UK Edition of The PearlAt first, Kino only wants to pay the doctor's fees and cure his son. However, as time passes Kino begins to think of all the wonders he can have with the money he'll get when he sells the pearl. He thinks of his son Coyotito going to school. Kino feels that his son should be educated and not illiterate like the rest of the people in the village. He feels that he has an improved status in society and so he should be treated as a rich man would be. Kino is also very eager to list the many things he wants to obtain with his new found fortune. One of the items is a rifle because it will show to the rest of the people of the village that he has power. Whilst Kino thinks of all the riches he will have, he begins to become...