The Pearl Essay

“Pearlescent Deception”
That which emanates beauty may sometimes bring about unintended consequences. This concept is tastefully illustrated in John Steinbeck’s The Pearl, a novel in which an impoverished pearl diver, Kino, happens upon a magnificent pearl in the midst of a crisis within his family; his newborn child has been bitten by a scorpion and requires medical attention which Kino could not have previously afforded. This pearl is predicted to bring great wealth to Kino’s family and to provide his young son, Coyotito, with an education; therefore, liberating him from the cruel vice of poverty. Upon finding the pearl, there is a dramatic change in the behavior of those surrounding Kino. Suddenly, the doctor decides it is appropriate to address the medical needs of Kino’s son wherein previously Kino had been denied service altogether due to his social class. Furthermore, Kino is later confronted by assailants in the dark of night, attempting to steal the pearl from him and although he manages to retain the pearl, Kino’s wife, Juana, begins to worry about the security of her family and of the dangers that have arisen from the pearl’s discovery. When Kino tries to sell the pearl to a local buyer, he feels as though he has been cheated and he initially decides to hold onto his newfound capital. Many of the people in Kino’s village criticize him for not selling the pearl when it was still possible; however, Kino is persistent and still believes that the pearl will bring his family great prosperity. Despite his family-oriented motivation, Kino is driven to extreme measures when his hut is destroyed and he is forced to kill a man who attempts to steal his pearl. Now a murderer and fugitive, Kino must seek escape with his family in the mountains, where he is being tracked by armed bounty hunters. Kino attempts to deal with his pursuers but in the midst of his ambush they become aware of his plan and firing ensues. When his son is found dead, a victim of the...