CRITICISM OF PEARL by mehwish fakhar

CRITICISM OF PEARL

At first glance Steinbeck’s “The Pearl” is a potent criticism of materialism and the American dream to become rich and successful. Steinbeck shows the evils that result from putting riches first in life. However, Steinbeck also weaves much deeper themes into “The Pearl.” One major aspect of “The Pearl” is the continual contrast between Kino and Juana. Juana possesses more common sense and foresight to see right from the start that the pearl is something that will hurt the family more than help. Kino, though, becomes obsessed with protecting the pearl for the benefit of the family. He dreams of a grand future for Coyotito, not recognizing that the pearl is more of a danger for his family than a help. His fanaticism becomes fully developed when he abuses his wife for trying to get rid of the pearl. In this way Steinbeck explores the difference between male and female thinking and the psychological differences between Kino and Juana.

“The Pearl” is in part a spiritual journey. Each of the story elements has a flavor of either “good” or “evil.” The doctor and pearl buyers are evil. In contrast, Coyotito is a “savior” in that Kino wants him to get an education so that he can free the family and others from the oppressive rule of the rich. Throughout “The Pearl” Steinbeck also shows Juana praying, both to God and the gods, using both the Our Father, and the traditional magics. In a way “The Pearl” is a reflection of the Biblical parable found at Matthew 13:45,46. In this Bible passage a merchant finds a pearl of great value, and sells everything he has to own it. In this case, though, the pearl is a metaphor for God’s Kingdom, whereas in Steinbeck’s story the pearl is a thing of evil, a metaphor for greed and wealth in general.

Interestingly Steinbeck wrote “The Pearl” in response to a suggestion from friends in Mexico who encouraged him to write a screenplay for a film to be produced and filmed in Mexico. Throughout “The Pearl” readers can note ways in which Steinbeck specifically aimed the text toward cinematic effects. One of these is the point of view, which tends to be either close-up, or at medium or distant range. The scenes described are well suited for filming, both because of their typically sparse use of characters, and their powerful emotional and action content. In addition, Steinbeck uses music keys that would be expected in a movie, but are slightly hard to imagine in a written story. As Kino fears for the pearl Steinbeck mentions “The Song of Evil,” low and haunting. In contrast the warm “Song of the Family” percolates through Kino and Juana’s life. At first when Kino looks at the pearl he hears the “Song of the Pearl” as something more like “The Song of the Family” in that the pearl will help him to improve the family’s life. But later Kino begins to tie “The Song of Evil” with “The Song of the Pearl.” These songs are specifically mentioned to aid in the production of the screenplay for “The Pearl.” The Mexican film of “The Pearl” was released in the United States in 1947 and 1948, and at that point it became the first Mexican made film commercially distributed in the States.

“The Pearl” by John Steinbeck is a many-layered story that teaches a deep lesson about the pursuit of wealth while at the same time exploring the differences between the sexes and the real meaning of family life. Every reader should experience this classic piece of fiction. 

Perhaps the most outspoken critic of The Pearl has been Warren French, who criticized author John Steinbeck for using a traditional tale (the legend of the Indian boy who accidentally finds a large pearl) to make his "cautionary points" about the dangers of materialism. Nothing] more clearly indicates the allegorical nature of The Pearl as it developed in Steinbeck's mind from the beginning—as the various titles attached to the work—The Pearl of the World andThe Pearl of La Paz. Although the city of La Paz may be named appropriately in the title since the setting for the action is in and around that place, the Spanish word provides a neat additional bit of symbolism, if in some aspects ironic. In its working title, the novel tells the story of The Pearl of Peace. When this title was changed to The Pearl of the World for magazine publication, although the irony was partially lost, the allegorical implications were still present.

Plot Summary of the Pearl

"Kino, a poor Indian/Mexican pearl diver, enjoys a simple life with his wife Juana and their baby, Coyotito. The baby, bitten by a scorpion, falls ill, and the doctors refuse to treat him. Things look up when Kino discovers a huge, beautiful pearl one day. Incredulous, Kino howls with joy, and suddenly everyone in La Paz is interested in his family and his pearl. Greed contaminates their once simple way of life, as Kino fitfully tries to get 50,000 pesos for a pearl that the dealers only wish to pay one thousand for. The pearl leads Kino to corruption, slitting a man's throat who attempted to take the pearl from him, and eventually the price of the pearl is more higher than they imagined--it is paid in the blood of Coyotito. In redemption and sorrow, Kino returns to La Paz and throws the pearl back to the ocean."
Angela Allan, Resident Scholar 

Literature Review – John Steinbeck, The Pearl

John Steinbeck has long been understood to be a very intelligent author who infuses his work with a populist flavour that allows the reader to empathize with his protagonists, to live their struggles, and to ultimately draw a great deal of knowledge and reflection from the realm of fiction and literature. The Pearl is a stunning example of this capability – both in its capacity to appeal to pathos and beauty as well as in its cutting critique of capitalistic extortion and human greed.

The Song of the Family

The story of The Pearl centers around a very poor family comprised of husband Kino, wife Juana, and their infant child, Coyotito. A family of few words, and fishers by trade for generations, the narrative begins with a beautiful, placid morning on the marina where, in verbal silence, the Song of the Family is played out through the chores of the morning and the intangible bonds of familial love.

The infant is soon bitten by a scorpion, and falls gravely ill. The nearest doctor from town, a mean-hearted elitist with little time for savage children, is only interested in serving as Coyotito's physician upon news that Kino, in his desperate prayers, has found within an oyster the largest and most lustrous pearl to grace the earth.

Kino is wise to the ways of men and recalls the history of his grandfather's time – when such pearls had to be traded abroad due to the fact that all of the appraisers and buyers in town were in collusion, presenting a facade of competition when really they were all owned and owed their livelihood to a single wealthy investor. The pearl is his salvation from poverty, to Kino it is an avenue of escape and a means of procuring an education and clean clothes for Coyotito as well as, in his wildest dreams, a rifle with which to hunt.

The conflict, climax, and denouement of the narrative involves extortion and deceit on the part of them moneylenders and traders – seeking to rob this uppity native of his pearl - and when that fails, outright murder and thievery fills the scene.

Social Commentary and Criticism

It is obvious to most readers that The Pearl seeks to illuminate the struggle of the underclass, especially when also battling blatant racism and bigotry – and the simple hopes of hardworking men who want nothing more than an education for their sons and daughters and

women who are economically uneducated – and the depths to which many men of greed and lust for money will sink to in order to achieve wealth. Steinbeck also notes the pure greed and usurious nature of most capitalistic middlemen - especially with regards to the element of collusion and false competition within a captive market comprised of men and women who are economically uneducated – and the depths to which many men of greed and lust for money will sink to in order to achieve wealth.

This is not simply a negative and reactionary tale however – it also extols the simplest and heartwarming virtues that are possessed of persons of all means. The Song of the Family, in the waking hours of the day, resonating deep within the bosom of husband, wife, and child – is completely independent of material wealth. This song is comprised of soundless lyrics that are completely incorporeal and yet as real as The Pearl and of infinitely greater value – the true tragedy and folly visited upon Kino, who in his hope for a better life for his family perhaps gambled too greatly.

In summation The Pearl is a short read, yet emotionally captivating and compelling to the last word. It is a great example of the depth of John Steinbeck's literary work and still has a very valuable message to impart to the modern reader. Blending a populist and cultural social criticism along with a touching and personal story in such a short span of words shows talent and inspiration – this volume is possessed of both.

The Pearl by John Steinbeck 

     The Pearl by John Steinbeck. This book takes place in Mexico during the nineteen hundreds in the city of La Paz. 
     The main characters are Kino an Indian pearl diver who finds the magnificent pearl and whose life is partially destroyed by this pearl. Juana is Kino's wife and faithful partner and she is obedient and devoted to her family. Coyotito is Kino and Juana's infant son he is bitten by a scorpion and recovers miraculously only to be later killed by a bullet. 
     The theme of this book is not to let greed or money to get in the way of you or your family. Greed is a destructive force and if not controlled it will effect you a lot maybe even forever, like the death of Kino’s son Coyotito. Another theme is fate because fate was a major aspect to why Kino did not succeed in his dreams of having a luxurious life. When Kino discovered the Pearl he thought that it would take him out of poverty and into a life of happiness. The pearl was not meant for anyone to find, and the finding of one was luck, “a little pat on the back by God.”      
     The problem in this story is that Kino is trying to sell his pearl and every one bids a low price. That means he keeps it longer and everyone is trying to steal it from him. The conflict is man vs. man the reason why is that a lot of people are trying to steal it from him the day he got it. It went to the point that people were tracking him for it and attacking him in his sleep. 
     I hated it when Kino went pearl diving and found the “pearl of the world,” and started making a scene. When you find something very valuable like that you keep that a secret and under ground. When you make a discovery with something valuable like that you do not deal in front of an audience you do it privately. When you plan to travel somewhere to deal a valuable thing like a pearl as big as a seagulls egg you do not tell any one and you be especially careful. 
     This book taught me not to let money or anything get in the way with me and my families relationship. It made me think twice about money and keeping it for myself and at least helping someone if I have enough money. 

Wealth can lead you in many directions depending on if you are prepared for it or not. If it is unexpected, it will most definitely change your life. Unexpected wealth could be dangerous if it falls into the wrong hands. Many people could use it on useless items or bad people could buy drugs or weapons. In addition, today many people could gamble their newly found wealth and lose all of their money on the lottery, on scratch tickets, or in casinos. On the other hand, unexpected wealth could be used productively if the right person got it. They could donate it to a charity, improve life for their family, or even put the money into the bank to save up for something. Along with using unexpected wealth being used poorly, greediness has its consequences. Finding something valuable and selling it can be hard if you are greedy. You may ask for too high of a price from the person you are selling it to and end up getting nothing or you may be ignorant and not know the price your item is supposed to be and sell it for too low of a price. 

Wealth and The Pearl by John Steinbeck 

In the novel 'The Pearl' the author, John Steinbeck has clearly stated 
a message. He taught us the life lesson, that being wealthy isn't 
everything through a character he created named Kino. Steinbeck had 
placed the setting in a poor village in La Paz and described Kino's 
relationship of their close-knit family. When the pearl was found, the 
plan was to sell it and use the money to pay for Coyotito's medical
bills also to send him to school for an education. This extraordinary 
idea was demolished by the actions of Kino's greediness for money. As 
the novel progressed the events only became more serious. He did not 
only hurt the people around him that love him, but himself. "In Kino's 
ears the Song of the Family was as fierce as a cry. He was immune and 
terrible and his song had become a battle cry." Kino turned down pearl 
buyers, hit his wife, murdered a man, ran away from home and shot his 
baby. 

http://inkweaver-review.blogspot.com/2009/03/critical-analysis-pearl-by-john.html

http://www.bookrags.com/studyguide-thepearl/essay3.html?gwoRedirected=1

http://www.allreaders.com/topics/info_21517.asp

http://www.suite101.com/content/literature-review-john-steinbeck-the-pearl-a112884

The Pearl by John Steinbeck." 123HelpMe.com. 10 May 2011 
    <http://www.123HelpMe.com/view.asp?id=91894>.