The primary theme in "The Pearl" is how greed can destroy one's life with ease. At the beginning of the story, Kino is introduced as a gentle and kind family man. Kino works as a pearl diver to provide for his wife, Juana, and son, Coyitito. Despite not having much money, Kino is happy with his traditional life. However, when Coyitito is suddenly stung by a scorpion and is in critical condition, his life becomes much more complicated. Kino discovers the great pearl. At first, the pearl is admired as a symbol of hope. Unbeknownst to Kino, the pearl would soon lead to his destruction. Wary of his neighbors, Kino buries the pearl under his sleeping mat. That night, Kino fights an intruder who had attempted to steal the pearl. Juana,
