Even though Kino has large dreams of what to do with his money, tragedies continue to befall him throughout the novella. Just like the doctors, the pearl brokers attempt to swindle Kino. The only item of value that Kino possesses is the pearl, and he assures the doctor that he will be rewarded once the pearl given to brokers. In a situation permeated with racism, the doctor of Spanish descent refuses to treat the apparent Native American Kino unless he comes up with substantial monetary payment. Coyotito is bitten by a scorpion, and Kino and Juana rush to town in attempt to persuade the doctor to treat their child. Rather than congratulating him on his prized discovery, each villager offers their unique suggestion as to how Kino should spend his winnings. Even though fish and pearls are the source of Kino's livelihood each member of the village desires part of his newfound wealth. All of a sudden, their entire village measures time against when Kino found his pearl. Showing how money is the root of all evil, Steinbeck delivers a poignant tale.įirst published in 1945, The Pearl is the story of Kino, Juana, and their baby Coyotito who one day discover a giant pearl on one of their fishing expeditions. In his retelling of a Mexican folktale, Steinbeck tells the tale of a fisherman named Kino who finds the pearl of the world on one of his dives. First published in 1945, The Pearl is the story of Kino, Juana, and their baby Coyotito who one day discover a giant pearl on one of their fishing e John Steinbeck's chilling novella The Pearl is the short story selection in the group catching up on classics for January 2017. Showing how money is the root of all evil, Steinbeck delivers a poignant tale. John Steinbeck's chilling novella The Pearl is the short story selection in the group catching up on classics for January 2017. I was correct! Many key scenes occur at or in the ocean, and reading this while my toes were in the surf added so much to the atmosphere.ĭo yourself a favor and take a quiet afternoon, get away to somewhere (a beach if possible), and read The Pearl. I picked this book now because I am on vacation in Hatteras, NC, and the locations along the sea seemed like they would blend well with my surroundings. Many of us think our life would be perfect if we won the lottery, but I think all of us could benefit from the lessons in this story. It is a tale of greed and how people around wealth or who come upon sudden wealth are affected. The Pearl is very short but very amazing. Every word, every description, every plot point, every twist - perfect! All my experiences with his writings have been fantastic. I picked this book now because I am on vacation in Hatteras, NC, and the lo Steinbeck does it again. Every word, every description, every plot point, every twist - perfect! The Pearl is very short but very amazing. You must want it just enough, and you must be very tactful with Gods or the gods. If you are looking for a short story about family and hardships, would recommend you reading this one. And Steinbeck's writing is always emotional and I think most people who take the time to read this story will enjoy it. A very fast-paced story that involved a man's family into conflict once he found a precious item that could solve all his problems but that item only ended up creating new ones. Poverty, greed, sorrow This book was incredibly strong in its ability to make readers ponder upon their own lives by pushing the limits of issues like poverty. If you are loo The Pearl by John Steinbeck The Pearl by John Steinbeck Poverty, greed, sorrow This book was incredibly strong in its ability to make readers ponder upon their own lives by pushing the limits of issues like poverty.