John Steinbeck's "The Pearl"

Paper Summary:

This paper summarizes the plot of John Steinbeck's famous novel, "The Pearl" and then goes on to analyze the theme of the story. The paper explains that the pearl, instead of being symbolic of hope, purity and goodness as pearls usually are, represents man's greed and his need to overreach the simple pleasures that life brings in the hopes of having what others seek.

From the Paper:

"John Steinbeck's The Pearl, loosely based on an old Mexican folk tale, is the story of how one man's life is tragically transformed after discovering "the greatest pearl in the world." Before finding the pearl, Kino's existence is hardly luxurious, but neither is it unhappy. He is young and strong and has all he needs: a fine canoe passed down from his grandfather, respect from his community; and the love of his brother. His most valued possession is his family - his devoted wife Juana, and his infant son, Coyotito. Together he and Juana sing the Song of the Family which rises to "an aching chord that caught the throat, saying this is safety, this is warmth, this is the Whole." This peaceful happiness is disturbed early in the story when a scorpion stings Coyotito, and his wife suggests they take him to the doctor in the city."

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