The line between wealth and greed

Authors Note: This is a piece written on the obscure symbolism in the book The pearl. It demonstrates my knowledge on the symbols and my understanding of the topic. 

Objects, characters, colors, and actions used to portray and represent abstract ideas or concepts; also know as Symbolism. Whether it be the innocence and destructive symbol of a little girl dragging her baby doll across the ruff pavement or a white wedding gown depicting purity and life. Both giving text more connotation, like in the story The Pearl, written by John Steinbeck. Steinbeck used symbols to add to text and the formation of characters.

                Within the first chapter of “The Pearl”  symbolism quickly shows through. A scorpion stings Coyotito the main character, Kino’s, son. Biblically this small perilous creature generally represents the destruction of innocence but is easily seen as evil, death, or just devastation. Kino’s son is only a small baby so this “innocence” could easily be shown as that the Gods intended for young Coyotito to die or be on the brink of death. Also, color became very popular within the pages before the scorpion. Yellow eyes, black ants, yellow spots, and yellow sun light falling upon the house. Yellow is known to symbolize violence or decay and black is death or evil. These colors could be simply foreshadowing the events to come and making the text more intricate.

                Although the Scorpion played a large part in this book the pearl is why the book developed as it did. In the beginning a pearl was seen as wealth, luck and providence. “A pearl that might be” (A perfect pearl) is the prophecy that Juana (Kino’s wife) and Kino had thought they’d fulfilled. They are overwhelmed with aspiration for Coyotito’s future and the possible life free from the shackles of poverty. Soon the pearl starts to exhibit greed not only from Kino but neighbors and friends of the family. Though the family is being hunted Kino refused to give up the pearl as his wise wife had wanted so badly to do. This gem started to be a catalyst of change within Kino and as it is simple and beautiful, however, it becomes a symbol of destruction and danger once entangled with ideas of materialistic values.

                Pearls were a very large fascination in Kino’s town, everyone wanted one but they broke more then what is seen. Kino’s canoe symbolized tradition and his link to his culture. Canoes were used for food, making a living, and in this scenario, to find the pearl. Furthermore, it’s very significant that the possession of the pearl leads directly to the raft’s destruction in chapter 5. Which symbolized Kino’s devastating decision to part with cultural heritage since he wished become acquisitive.

                So whether it be a pearl, canoe, scorpion, or a color symbolism can truly turn a story from one end of the spectrum to the other. Bringing in change of character and a life lesson worthy of understanding.