The Pearl of the World
“Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's needs, but not every man's greed.” This was a quote said by Mahatma Gandhi. People always want something more and that’s exactly what happens to the main character in the book “The Pearl” by John Steinbeck. Kino wanted something more and greed was thrust upon him. John Stienbeck wove greed throughout Kino, people who lived within the village, and strategically placed conflicts in this book so that greed could illustrate the relationship between the pearl and Kino.
John Stienbeck logically placed points in this book to show greed, or to lead up to the climax. For example baby Coyotito was injected with venom from a poisonous scorpion. His mother prayed not for him to get better, but for them to find a pearl that could save them from poverty and pay a doctor to heal baby Coyotito. Then their dream came true and lead to many problems.
Some of these problems were that they couldn’t find a pearl buyer to buy their pearl, and people were trying to kill the family for the pearl. Kino was too stubborn to listen to his wise wife and just throw the pearl back in to the lake. He insisted on selling the treasure. Which lead them to leaving their village to sell the pearl in the big city, but they weren’t alone. The rumor spread around their small village like a wild fire, and soon after they set off on their journey trackers were right behind them. All of this led up to the death of their beloved child.
John Stienbeck didn’t just place points in this book to lead to the climax. Mr.Stienbeck flowed the greed throughout everyone in this book. Like the villagers, Kino, and pearl sellers. The pearl sellers were trying to rip off the family and buy the pearl for cheap. Lying and telling Kino his pearl is worthless. They did not know that Kino was much wiser than most family living in the grass huts. He knew the true value of the pearl. However Kino was also greedy. Kino was lucky enough to find the beautiful gem, but then to not take what has been offered for it. Juana’s husband should have happily taken the money offered. That small amount of money could have gone toward the family, but in the end he got nothing out of it. Also the villagers got greedy. Their village doctor wouldn’t help the new family when their baby got infected by the scorpion, but once they found the pearl he insisted that he would help them. But then he tried to steal the pearl instead. Jealousy lingered through the village. None of the others who lived in the grass huts helped the new family when their baby was in trouble or when they were getting in to difficulty with many of the wealthier people. This greed passed on through everyone and the only sane person was Juana she had not been mesmerized by the pearl's value.
Greed is one of the many problems people face on this earth. John Steinbeck sent a message through this book; when the sound of evil is played listen and act upon what you have heard. Do not ignore it like Kino has.
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Authors Note: When fighting for you're life means basically death to most of the districts but to the capitol it means pure entertainment. I feel bad for the main Characters during the book The Hunger Games. Being forced to turn against eachother. Most died from hunger, being cold, or not knowing the terrain around them. But Katniss grew as a person as she met new people and created relationships with them.
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Authors Note: When fighting for you're life means basically death to most of the districts but to the capitol it means pure entertainment. I feel bad for the main Characters during the book The Hunger Games. Being forced to turn against eachother. Most died from hunger, being cold, or not knowing the terrain around them. But Katniss grew as a person as she met new people and created relationships with them.
It's Life or Death
Within the ruins of North America lies the Nation of Panem. It’s surrounded by the 12 other outlying districts. District 1 being the richest and 12 being the most poor, but the capital has earned the title of being the cruelest; forcing a boy and a girl between the ages of 12 and 18 from each district to participate in the annual Hunger Games… each fighting till the death. Winning means fame and fortune. Losing means certain death. All this is broadcasted throughout Panem on live TV. Katniss Everdeen, a volunteer replacing the spot of her younger sister Prim and Peeta Mellark are the tributes for their district. District 12. The author of the Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins, wrote a magnificent adventure about all of this creating a different world to get lost in. All during it she let the characters complex relationships and personality show through.
Katniss Everdeen is sixteen years old and already provides for her family. Her father died when she was young, and taught her everything she knows from fishing to trading. It has given her the skills to be strong in the games. Her best friend happened to be a boy who she hunted with by the name of Gale. They shared skills from trapping to using a bow and arrow. Although her hunting skills were well above average, her social skills were lacking; creating a somewhat antisocial girl who was hard to communicate with. This made her awkward on the broadcasting for Hunger Games. But, with the help of her advisors, she created a complete alter ego portraying a sweet giggly girl who feels the strongest with a bow and arrow in her hand
Although Katniss is a bit antisocial and is hard to get along because of her stubbornness; she learns to open up to the people she respects. She may be a little short tempered but has a soft side to her. Katniss’s stylist, Cienna, was able to inspire confidence through the costume designs. He respects her and has become a very good friend of hers. He’s not the only one. Haymich along with being an advisor and mentor; became one of his better friends. He’s the winner of the 50th annual hunger games. He was also from district 12, the ultimate fighter and a big drinker. He has faith in Peeta and Katniss and understands their situation. Katniss and Haymich might butt heads and not always agree, but she appreciates the help he’s gave her because it’s all coming in handy during the games. She has definitely has created friends throughout this experience, but has created relationships with people more intricate then just friends.
Peeta and Katniss have a different relationship from anyone else. They have a love hate relationship. They are complimenting each other one minute to causing injury the next. Even before the Hunger Games have started. Katniss and Peeta have each other’s back throughout the Hunger Games; saving each other from the danger in the woods and other tributes waiting to pursue Katniss as their next kill. They act like they hate each other, but they truly feel more then a friendship creating as the days go by in the Arena. Katniss is confused whether or not Peeta’s sincere about saving her life or just making it more appealing for the viewers. In addition they have had the chance to kill each other more than anyone could count, but spared each other in an effort to become the last two alive. Their relationship is defiantly blooming as the Hunger Games continue.
Katniss Everdeen has been a closed off girl putting her walls up to everyone that she come in contact to, but throughout her experience with the Hunger Games she has opened herself up to the people around her and created relationships with all of these people.
