Literary Analysis Of The Pearl By John Steinbeck

The problem with many people is that they value money more than people. In the novella “The Pearl” by John Steinbeck, which explains how Kino, a local fisherman’s life backfired after he valued a pearl more than his own family. But later on, after major setbacks, Kino learned that money isn’t nearly as important as the people you love. Through the use of conflicts, characterization and style, Steinbeck reinforces the theme which is the love of money is the root of all evil.

To begin with, Kino lives with his wife and son, who seem happy and stable although they aren’t rich. Kino and his family lived a simple life in a really close and connected to earth neighborhood. Although this place in town is nice and peaceful, the other side of the

Kino is facing a man versus self conflict as he starts having dreams of what he’ll do with his money. Kino wishes to do three things: marry his wife in a church, get an education for his son and finally buy a rifle. This shows how Kino’s character starts to change when he starts wishing for things he doesn’t need at all. He starts valuing the pearl because he starts planning his future with it, but doesn't realize he becomes attached to it. Kino shows the reader his love for the pearl when he beats up his wife for trying to throw the pearl because it brought them bad luck and danger. Kino reinforces the theme by showing the reader the unlimited things he is willing to do, in order to save this pearl which he clearly is showing more love to than his own wife and

The pearl, itself is a symbol of the future for Kino, the doctor, and the priest. Kino sees himself married Juana, getting an education for his son, and holding a rifle. The doctor seeing himself living in Paris again and eating fancy food. And finally the priest sees additions to his church. However, while some were looking at the pearl as an opportunity for a better life, Juana believed that the pearl was evil and was bringing danger to her family. This significant part of Steinbeck’s use of symbolism shows that how people give value to something that could be penniless to others. To clarify, something that can be so cheap, so useless or really ordinary, can suddenly become one of the most beautiful and admired treasure to people because of how people rate it and make it special. The pearl caused many attacks on Kino’s home in an attempt to steal the pearl, which later on led to Kino killing one of the attackers. But, its later when Coyotito died, is where the huge irony falls in place: the only reason why Kino went diving was to pay the doctor to SAVE his son’s life, but ironically that same thing ended up causing his tragic death.

To conclude, Steinbeck explains Kino’s internal and external struggles during his time owning the pearl through conflicts, characterization, and style. These struggles reinforce the theme of how loving money is the root of all evil. Anyhow, Steinbeck