The novels Animal Farm by George Orwell and John Steinbeck's The Pearl delve into the theme of greed and its repercussions. In Animal Farm, the tyrannical pigs, gradually take control of and exploit the animals on their farm through manipulation, betrayal, and the corruption of moral values. Meanwhile, in The Pearl, Kino's pursuit of wealth leads to his own corruption and the exploitation of his family, as various individuals attempt to take advantage of him for personal gain. Both novels serve as cautionary tales, highlighting the consequences of unchecked greed and the moral compromises individuals make in their pursuit of material gain. In both George Orwell's Animal Farm and John Steinbeck's The Pearl, the theme of greed and its consequences …show more content…
Throughout the novel, Kino becomes increasingly distrusting of the people that surround him, including his own community. When he first found the pearl, he was happy to share the news of his good fortune and his plans for it (Steinbeck 23). However, due to his greed fueled paranoia, Kino no longer felt that he could trust his once close neighbours. The growing sense of dirtust highlights the corrosive effects of greed on Kinos character. Additionally, prior to obtaining the pearl, Kino was the type of person who would never hurt his wife intentionally, he praised and admired her highly (7). Later on, in a fit of rage he abuses Juana physically with the intention to inflict pain: “He struck her in the face with his clenched face and she fell among the boulders, and he kicked her in the side” (59). This violent act demonstrates how the obession with the pearl has corrupted Kinos morals and values. Amongst the other actions Kino takes, he resorts to murdering multiple people to protect the all consuming pearl: “Here is your pearl. I found it in the path. [...] You have killed a man. We must go away. They will come for us, can you understand?” (61). This willingness to kill reaffirms the corruption of Kino's old self, one who in the past lived a passive and peaceful life. Therefore, through the influences of greed for the pearl, Kino’s character corrupts as he becomes paranoid, abuses his wife and resorts to