How Does Steinbeck Make Decisions

As human beings, we all have to make decisions that impact our lives. Some of these decisions could be beneficial; however, others can lead to violence and misfortune. The Pearl by John Steinbeck illustrates the story of Kino, a poor native living with his wife and child in Spanish-controlled Baja California. On a day like any other, he discovers a great pearl in the ocean, as large as a seagull’s egg. Believing that he was now incredibly wealthy, he immediately began dreaming about all the things the pearl would give him and his family; he started to become ambitious. However, in the process, Kino’s character changed, and he made some unwise and foolish decisions. These decisions eventually caused him to lose his trust in others, and his son. Kino was a fool because he was ignorant, overconfident, and selfish. …show more content…
When he found the pearl, he announced his news to the whole village. This eventually led to the collusion of the pearl dealers. In addition, Kino refused to let go of the pearl because he continued to believe it would do him good. Ignorant of the misfortune, he claimed that he would keep it because it was his life. Finally, Kino was oblivious of the jealousy towards him in the town. It states in the book, “But Kino and Juana did not know these things. Because they were happy and excited they thought everyone else shared their joy.” (Steinbeck, pg 23) The townspeople all began to crave the pearl, seeing their own dreams and thinking that Kino was the only one in their