Greed’s Destructive Nature in The Pearl John Steinbeck expresses a theme about the destructive nature of greed in The Pearl. Plainly stated, the theme is that greed can cause destruction. Steinbeck conveys this theme through Kino’s actions after receiving the pearl and through the other character’s in the story. Steinbeck’s comment about greed’s destructive nature can clearly be seen through Kino’s actions after receiving the pearl. At first, Kino went about praising the pearl, saying it would bring them only great fortune. However, the pearl results in Kino acting in a destructive manner. For example, Kino struck the first person who tried stealing the pearl with his knife. Another example of Kino’s destructive behavior is when Juana tries to take away the pearl and throw it back into the ocean. Kino threw her down into the ground and kicked
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The first person to recognize the evil and destruction of the pearl was Juana. In The Pearl, Juana says, “It has brought evil. Kino, my husband, it will destroy us” (Steinbeck 38). Juana realizes that the detrimental events came with owning the pearl. Another character the theme is conveyed through is Coyotito. Although Coyotito could not comment on the pearl, the theme of destruction is seen through him. When Kino, Juana, and his neighbors gather in his house talking about what the pearl will bring them, the doctor comes in. The doctor desires to have the pearl, so he gives Coyotito “something to try to turn the poison aside.” However, the doctor only gives Coyotito the powder so Coyotito can become sick and the doctor can treat him for a payment, the pearl. Another way the theme of the destructive nature of greed is seen is when Coyotito is shot. Coyotito would not have been shot if it wasn’t for Kino’s greed for the pearl. With these two characters, Steinbeck shows how greed can be
The first person to recognize the evil and destruction of the pearl was Juana. In The Pearl, Juana says, “It has brought evil. Kino, my husband, it will destroy us” (Steinbeck 38). Juana realizes that the detrimental events came with owning the pearl. Another character the theme is conveyed through is Coyotito. Although Coyotito could not comment on the pearl, the theme of destruction is seen through him. When Kino, Juana, and his neighbors gather in his house talking about what the pearl will bring them, the doctor comes in. The doctor desires to have the pearl, so he gives Coyotito “something to try to turn the poison aside.” However, the doctor only gives Coyotito the powder so Coyotito can become sick and the doctor can treat him for a payment, the pearl. Another way the theme of the destructive nature of greed is seen is when Coyotito is shot. Coyotito would not have been shot if it wasn’t for Kino’s greed for the pearl. With these two characters, Steinbeck shows how greed can be