Using songs in literal works is a cultural tradition that is traced from Indians in this case, Kino tends to hear songs playing in his head every time he has a strong feeling about something.Ī story that started in an idyllic environment, it unfortunately ends in a violent atmosphere, where people turn against each other just for the sake of a Pearl that ends up destroying their lives. On the other hand, the pearl buyers propose a very low price with the aim of exploiting Kino, once they noticed that he desperately needed the money. This is seen when the doctor heartlessly refuses to treat Coyotito just because his father could not afford it he does not care whether the boy lives or dies, all he cares about is the money he gets from people. The doctor and the pearl buyers represent the hypocrisy and exploitation facing the Indians in La Paz.

Kino’s family even plans to spend the money by improving their lifestyle once they sell their fortune.īasically, the great pearl is a tool used to bring change among the peaceful Indian people living in a foreign country. In the beginning, Kino and his wife, Juana are contented with the few possessions they have, but after discovering the pearl, they irreparably change they become ambitious, greedy, and violent. The fact that The Pearl is seen as an object that could change ones position in life, it changes people from being idyllic to cheaters, murderers, and traitors. Other than this, he only owns the hut they live in, and a couple of clay cooking utensils. Kino who is the central character in the novel owns a boat that he inherited from his father and grandfather. From their way of life, it is evident that the Indians living in La Paz lead a poor lifestyle, and have accepted their role in life. This paper explores the greed, and evil portrayed by the indigenous Indians in John Steinbeck’s The Pearl.Īs the title of the book suggests, the story is based on the enormous pearl Kino finds, and the events that took place as people tried to hunt Kino for possessing the pearl. In the pursuit for money to treat his son, Kino discovers an enormous pearl that will forever be referred to as “ the pearl of the world”. The only doctor that is capable of treating Coyotito refuses to treat him because Kino is not able to pay for the treatment.

Steinbecks the pearl