Pearl symbolism motifs imagery characterization
John Steinbeck, in his parable, The Pearl, uses symbolism, imagery, and characterization to present the society of La Paz’s ills and the dehumanizing forces on the protagonist. ... After Kino and Juana visit the doctor, they go home and go out on the Gulf of Mexico in their canoe in search of a pearl to pay the doctor with. When Kino arises from the sea bottom, he has a great pearl, the “Pearl of the World,” in his hand. Kino and Juana believe that the pearl will bring them great fortune and happiness, but the pearl simply brings the evil out of people. Symbolism is one of the key elements in The Pearl. Symbolism depicts the dehumanizing forces imposed on society because of the pearl, and uncovers a deeper of those forces. The pearl itself is a symbol of Kino’s dreams for his family since the pearl changes his motives and intentions. When Kino first finds the pearl, he sees visions for his family, such as education, marriage, and new clothes. ... This pearl is like a sin! It will destroy us,” (page 38) the pearl does bring about evil. Even though Kino should have listened to Juana about the pearl, his greed and longing for wealth overtook Juana’s advice and cries. The pearl also represents how the people of La Paz change when they hear about the pearl. Those who were completely oblivious to Kino before he found the pearl are now trying to befriend Kino, all in hope for some kind of way to benefit from the pearl. This is all because of the visions they see for themselves with the pearl that evoke greed and the willingness to do something unreasonable to obtain the pearl. It is just as the narrator said, “Every man suddenly became related to Kino’s pearl…” (page 23).