How Does The Steinbeck Novel The Pearl Address Greed?

In 'The Pearl', Steinbeck dives deep into how greed can twist even the purest intentions. Kino starts off as a simple pearl diver, content with his life despite its hardships. When he finds the massive pearl, he dreams of a better future for his family—education for his son, a proper marriage, and safety. But the pearl becomes a curse, not a blessing. Everyone around him, from the doctor to the pearl buyers, sees it as a ticket to wealth and starts scheming. Kino’s own obsession grows, blinding him to the danger it brings. His wife, Juana, sees the destruction early and begs him to throw it away, but he refuses. The pearl’s allure turns him paranoid and violent, even toward Juana. By the end, the pearl costs them their home, their peace, and ultimately, their child. Steinbeck doesn’t just show greed as a personal flaw—it’s a societal disease that corrupts everyone it touches.

The novel’s brilliance lies in how it portrays greed as a cycle. Kino’s initial hope is understandable, but the pearl’s value becomes a magnet for exploitation. The doctor, who once refused to treat Coyotito, suddenly cares when he hears about the pearl. The pearl buyers conspire to lowball Kino, knowing he’s desperate. Even Kino’s neighbors, who once shared his struggles, start to envy him. Steinbeck paints a world where greed isn’t just about money—it’s about power, control, and the loss of humanity. The pearl, a symbol of hope, becomes a symbol of destruction, showing how greed can turn dreams into nightmares.

Steinbeck’s 'The Pearl' is a raw look at how greed can destroy lives. Kino’s discovery of the pearl should’ve been a miracle, but it turns into a nightmare. At first, he’s just a man trying to provide for his family, but the pearl’s value changes everything. The doctor, who wouldn’t help his son before, suddenly shows up. The pearl buyers try to cheat him. Even his neighbors start to resent him. Kino’s own greed grows, making him paranoid and violent. He stops listening to Juana, who sees the danger clearly. The pearl becomes a symbol of everything wrong with their world—how wealth can corrupt and divide. By the end, Kino loses everything he wanted to protect. Steinbeck doesn’t just blame Kino; he shows how greed is a system that traps everyone.

In 'The Pearl', Steinbeck shows how greed can turn hope into tragedy. Kino finds the pearl and dreams of a better life, but it quickly becomes a curse. The doctor, the pearl buyers, and even his neighbors all want a piece of it. Kino’s own obsession grows, making him blind to the danger. Juana tries to warn him, but he won’t listen. The pearl brings out the worst in everyone, leading to violence and loss. By the end, Kino realizes the pearl has cost him everything. Steinbeck’s message is clear: greed destroys.

Steinbeck’s 'The Pearl' is a powerful exploration of greed’s destructive force. Kino’s discovery of the pearl starts as a dream but quickly turns into a nightmare. The pearl’s value attracts greed from all sides—the doctor, the pearl buyers, and even Kino’s neighbors. Kino’s own obsession with the pearl grows, making him paranoid and violent. Juana sees the danger and begs him to throw it away, but he refuses. The pearl’s allure leads to tragedy, costing them their home and their child. Steinbeck shows how greed can corrupt even the most well-meaning intentions, turning hope into despair.

In 'The Pearl', Steinbeck uses Kino’s story to show how greed can ruin lives. Kino finds the pearl and dreams of a better future, but it quickly becomes a curse. The doctor, the pearl buyers, and even his neighbors all want it. Kino’s obsession grows, making him blind to the danger. Juana tries to warn him, but he won’t listen. The pearl brings out the worst in everyone, leading to violence and loss. By the end, Kino realizes the pearl has cost him everything. Steinbeck’s message is clear: greed destroys.