"The Pearl" by Steinbeck

The Pearl by John Steinbeck seems like a very simple book on the outside. The story is about a poor man whose new found riches take over his life. It's a story we've all heard before, but as you dig deeper into the meaning of the book one finds much more than just a simple story. Discoveries such as how man relates with nature, the different social statuses, and the wholeness of people can be found in this simple story.

Kino is a poor Indian man with a small family, a wife and an infant son. He is an honest, dignified pearl diver who works hard to support his family. Kino is aware of his poverty and knows that money could possibly buy a better life for his family, especially his son. When he finally gains riches he realizes that people can kill to protect their chance for wealth and power.

Ocean Pearl

English: John Steinbeck

Grave site of John Steinbeck and family

He also has a better grasp on the social standing of the Indians compared to the white men. He senses danger once everyone has found out about his riches, but his guard is always up. Now that his life has monetary value, Kino has lost all social innocence. He learns that he, too, can kill to protect the chance for wealth and power. Kino is the symbol of a hard-working man destroyed by greed. Kino not only destroys his life, but he destroys his wife's and son's life as well. Juana, his wife, is a very devoted wife. She also has very maternal and logical instincts. When the doctor would not treat their son, Kino responds by punching a gate; Juana puts seaweed poultice on the baby's shoulder. When Juana felt that the pearl was destroying their life she tried to throw it into the see. Juana represents the...