The Pearl By John Steinbeck Essay

The Pearl by John Steinback contains a lot of symbolism. Almost all of the main parts, living and non-living, represent something, or some idea. The most prominent symbol to me was, the pearl. The pearl symbolized many different things, it changed from good to evil. The pearl showed that things can change, and that not everything is what you first perceive it to be. The pearl was a very important part of this story. In the beginning of the story, Kino finds his pearl, and calls it ‘the pearl of the world’. He believes that it is the most amazing thing in the world, and that it will save him, and his family, that it was the answer to all his problems. He could see all the dreams that he never dared dream, in the pearl. “In the surface of the great pearl he could see dream forms,” (pg. 25-26). The pearl represented hope, and joy. But the pearl also brought

Kino, still ignorant, only sees that other people want his pearl, but he does not see that the pearl is bringing in evil. He now fears for his pearl, he fears other will take it, and he has become attached to it. He fears everyone’s greed for the pearl.“She asked, ‘Who do you fear?’ Kino searched for a true answer, and at last he said, ‘Everyone.’And he could feel a shell of hardness drawing over him,” (pg. 47). Kino’s fear of everyone drove him to not trust anyone anymore, and he did not reach out to people. He feared their ulterior motives. Juana and Kino begin to see that the pearl brings out the worst in everyone, including them. They realize that many people will do anything for the pearl, even attack their fellows. “Blood oozed down from his scalp and there was a long deep cut in his cheek from ear to chin, a deep, bleeding slash,” (pg. 73). And Kino was only half conscious.” The second time that Kino is attacked, is when Juana finally realizes the true danger they are