“It does not do to want something too much. Sometimes it can drive away luck. You have to want it enough and be tactful when dealing with gods or goddesses.” In The Pearl, John Steinbeck’s short story, he introduces Coyotito as the child of Kino, an impoverished fisherman, and Juana, his wife. The story begins with the tragedy of the scorpion stinging the baby Coyotito. The doctor will not heal him because of their race or lack of funds. The frustration forces Kino to take Juana and go pearl-diving in order to locate a pearl which could be useful for Coyotito. While diving, he discovers the “Pearl of the World.” On the surface of the Pearl he can see a brighter tomorrow, new clothes and an education for his child. Kino wants to sell the Pearl of the World, but pearl dealers want to take advantage of him to get as much money as they can. Kino sells the pearl in the capital after the intruders have ransacked his home and attacked him. The three men follow them as they go up the mountains. Then, everything changes and is unexpected. In this article, I’ll analyze Steinbeck’s use of symbols to communicate and display thoughts.
Symbols, such as scorpions, pearls and canoes, added depth to this story. The scorpion changed the lives of Kino and his entire family. The scorpion is a symbol of evil. Steinbeck’s words and the song of the evil make it clear that the scorpion, as portrayed by Kinos thoughts and feelings even before the baby is stung, is the source of all evil. The scorpion’s poison and the greedy doctors were the reasons that Kino found the great pearl. It was the start of an entirely new chapter in Kino’s life. The scorpion poison was able to be healed using sea sand, but the poison of the pearl cannot. The second icon is the peal. The peal has multiple meanings throughout the story. At first, Coyotito sees the pearl as a king and key, which will open many doors. The author said that he could see dreams on the surface. The pearl would fulfill all of Kino’s wishes, as it would enable the fisherman’s son to be treated and help them escape poverty. The pearl’s symbol changes as the story progresses. The pearl represents destruction as it is the reason for Kino’s son’s death. The simple, loving life of a humble fisherman with values such as loyalty and love is transformed into a monster. Canoe is third symbol. The canoe symbolises Kino’s peaceful, love-filled life without the need for riches or worth. The canoe symbolizes Kino’s simple life, when he lived a peaceful and loving life without any need for wealth or worth. Kino’s canoe was destroyed, and this meant that he had to give up his simple way of life. Kino and Juana were also unable to travel, so they had to make their way up the mountain. The author shows how greed can be destructive and wealth is not a way to happiness. Kino is happy after he finds the precious pearl.
Steinbeck demonstrates that wealth cannot buy happiness by showing readers how Kino’s miserable life is the result of his success. Kino did not appreciate his possessions, such as the canoe he inherited or his home that his grandfather left him. Steinbeck is trying to tell his readers that they need to be happy with what they have. In some cases, greed can be a motivator. This is because greed can be combined with ambition. I would not have written this article if the goal of achieving an A was not my ambition. The same goes for the greatest inventions we have made in science and technology. Many scientists were motivated by the Nobel Prize money and fame. Many of the cars and computers you see are a result of the desire of companies to get money and be best. Greed, like a slow death and an unsatisfied appetite for desire is what greed is. Your family should come first, as greed can destroy relationships and family bonds (as Kino’s case shows). You won’t succeed if you’re greedy because you care about the things others have. Greed makes people dishonest, selfish and untrustworthy.