TL;DR
The Pearl by John Steinbeck is a parable about a poor diver named Kino who finds a valuable pearl, leading to a tale of greed, evil, and the consequences of ambition.
What is The Pearl about
The Pearl, written by John Steinbeck, is a novel that tells the story of Kino, a poor diver who discovers an enormous and valuable pearl. This discovery brings the promise of wealth and a better life for his family but also attracts greed and evil from those around him. The novel is a poignant exploration of human nature, the corrupting influence of wealth, and the enduring power of love. Based on a Mexican folk tale, Steinbeck's narrative is a classic moral parable that delves into the darkest depths of human desires and the luminous possibilities of human goodness.
The Pearl 5 Key Takeaways
Kino finds the pearl
Kino, a poor pearl diver, finds an enormous, flawless pearl during one of his dives. This discovery fills him with hope for a better future for his family.
Greed and evil emerge
As news of the pearl spreads, Kino and his family are besieged by the greed of others, including a priest, a doctor, and local businessmen, all seeking to benefit from Kino's fortune.
Kino's transformation
Kino becomes increasingly consumed by his desire to protect the pearl and the promise it holds, leading him to acts of violence and paranoia.
Tragedy strikes
The pearl brings misfortune rather than prosperity. Kino's house is burned down, and his son Coyotito is killed, highlighting the catastrophic consequences of greed.
Returning the pearl
In the end, overwhelmed by loss and despair, Kino throws the pearl back into the sea, symbolizing his rejection of the greed and evil it brought into his life.
Top The Pearl Quotes
- 'And the music of the pearl rose like a chorus of trumpets in his ears.'
- 'For it is said that humans are never satisfied, that you give them one thing and they want something more.'
Who should read The Pearl?
The Pearl is ideal for readers interested in moral tales and parables that explore complex human emotions and ethical dilemmas. It's particularly suited for high school students and adult readers who appreciate literary fiction with deep symbolic meaning.
The Pearl Best Reviews
- 'The Pearl is a book to be read many times and cherished for its deep insights into human nature and the ethical challenges that stem from ambition and greed.' - The New York Times
- 'Steinbeck's prose is simple yet powerful, and his parable of the pearl is as relevant today as it was when first published. A timeless classic.' - The Guardian
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The Pearl FAQs
What is the book The Pearl about?
The Pearl is a parable about a Mexican Indian pearl diver named Kino who finds a valuable pearl and is transformed by the evil it attracts. Kino sees the pearl as his opportunity for a better life, but it brings misfortune and tragedy instead.
What is the message of the book The Pearl?
The Pearl demonstrates the evils of greed and ambition. The story shows how the discovery of a valuable object can lead to the moral decline and ruin of individuals and communities.
What is the point of The Pearl by John Steinbeck?
The purpose of The Pearl is to serve as a moral lesson about the corrupting influence of greed. The narrative highlights how characters who try to cheat or harm Kino are driven by their overwhelming desire for wealth.