The Pearl By John Steinbeck Comparative Essay

The Pearl, A short novel by John Steinbeck, tells the story of a brave man who is very unfortunate, but content with life as a Mexican fisherman. Kino and his bold wife Juana find a gift from the gods expecting to gain a new standard of living for their young son, Coyotito. Kino and the pearl build a relationship, one that cost much more than a higher standard of living. Jack Whittaker, a middle aged man who was lucky enough to win the largest undivided lottery jackpot in history. April Witt, the author of “Rich Man, Poor Man” from the Washington Post tells the story of Jack and his lucky life in luxury. Surprisingly, these two stories are somehow connected through similarities, yet they also have many notable differences. One of the most

In the beginning of the novel Kino rolls out of bed and walks outside of his small brush hut to admire “the little splash of the morning waves on the beach. It was very good-Kino closed his eyes again to listen to his music” (Steinbeck 710). Kino lives in a brush hut with his young son and brave wife. Although the family is unfortunate Kino has gratitude for the life that he owns. A similar event occurs in “Rich Man, Poor Man” when a young cowboy walks into a diner. The cowboy goes by the name of Jack Whittaker who “dressed in black like Johnny Cash and carried himself big -- big as the cowboy he always wore” and “...how polite and cheerful he acted, as if trouble were a stranger” Brenda from the diner reported (Witt 1). Jack was undoubtedly a very

The most noticeable differences would be the many bad decisions that Jack made with his money. Shortly after Jack gained material wealth he “strolled into the Pink Pony, a strip club in the nearby town of Cross Lanes, and, according to the manager, slapped $50,000 on the bar” (Witt 4). Obviously Jack did not spend his endless amount of money on anything with personal meaning. Jack’s doorbell and Telephone rang continuously by others in need of money. However, Jack did help Brenda and others in need of money financially, he was only interested in living his life to the fullest. Jack would handout “$5,000 in a single day” to Brandi, his granddaughter, resulting in a drug overdose related death (Witt 8). Jack didn't blame himself or his powerball winning. Jack selfishly blamed all of his problems and hardships that he witnessed on his “granddaughters drug using friends” (Witt 16). Jack was so distracted by his life that he didn’t even think about his family. On the other hand, Kino wanted to use his pearl for a higher standard of living. Kino wanted an education for his son, new clothing and a chance to be married in a church with Juana. Even though Kino’s pearl only symbolized potential wealth he still had high intentions for his family, as compared to Jack and his instant wealth to live life to the fullest. Kino talks about “_____” (Steinbeck 723). Sadly in results of seeking a