The Pearl

I have decided to do the first prompt which is on how the destructive force of greed is portrayed in the novel. John Steinbeck portrays this force in many different ways and through many different people. The first example of greed that is shown in the novel is after Kyotito is stung by a scorpion and the doctor will not treat him without payment. The next example of this is when Kino finds the "Pearl of the world" and Juana wants to see it right away. Some other examples are the villagers who are also pearl hunters begin to get jealous and want the pearl.

One main example is when the doctor finally decides to "help" Kyotito and "treat" him but takes his man servant with him and the man servant keeps looking around Kino's hut and trying to find the pearl. That night a man who is never identified breaks into the hut and Kino fights him off. Anther example is the pearl buyers who all work for the same man who sets a price and tells them not to go below that price which is greedy because they are not giving the amount of money the pearl is actually worth because of the price that is set.

The fact that the pearl buyers have a set price along with the fact that Kino will not part with the pearl ultimately leads to the transformation of Kino's character and the destruction of the family. Throughout the story Kino's character slowly transforms from a very kind family man to a hardened, cold man who will do anything to keep the pearl and his family. The set price of the pearl leads to Kino leaving secretly and heading for the capitol city to get a better price. On the way to the city the family begins to be followed by trackers. This is when Kino escalates to a violent guy in order to save his family but he could have avoided this situation all together had he just sold or given up the pearl.

In conclusion Kino's inability to part with the pearl ultimately leads to Kyotito's death.