Symbolism Of The Pearl

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One of the biggest symbols is the pearl, it changes it’s symbolism multiple times within the book. At first the pearl was seen as good luck and fortune. Kino’s son Coyotito was stung by a scorpion and the doctor would not help him. After the baby was stung Kino and his wife Juana prayed for a pearl. “And in the canoe above him Kino knew that Juana was making the magic of prayer.” (Steinbeck 17) Although the town was envious of Kino’s newfound pearl, Kino’s closest friend Juan Thomas only hoped that the pearl would not change Kino. Kino knew once he got the pearl he would have a good amount of money, and at that point the pearl represented wealth. “There is lay, the great pearl… It was as large as a sea-gull’s egg. It was the greatest

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