IndexIntroduction“The Pearl”: Theme of GreedConclusionWorks CitedIntroductionWhen desire spirals toward destruction, a family is destroyed, destroyed by a rare discovery. A pearl that seems so pure, so innocent that it seems that nothing bad can come from it. The Pearl by John Steinbeck appears to be the story of a man and his attempt to save his son and create financial stability for his family. However, the real plot behind The Pearl tells a man's story of how the sudden experience of wealth corrupts his soul and drives him to turn against those he loves. The main theme of The Pearl is greed and how it causes nothing but pain to those affected by it, as can be seen throughout the story, from when Kino beats his wife Juana, to the priests invading his home when they discover his new discovery, to the way someone who is supposed to be as selfless as a doctor treats patients he deems inferior. Steinbeck does a magnificent job showing that no one is immune to the desires of greed. The greatest symbol of greed in The Pearl is the pearl itself. At first the pearl appears to be a savior for Kino and his family. However, it quickly becomes apparent that this will only bring misery to Kino and his family. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay "The Pearl": The Theme of Greed For starters, The Pearl brings out greed in everyone he touches and causes Kino to beat his wife Giovanna. On page 61 of The Pearl, it states: “Her arm was ready to throw when he jumped on her, grabbed her arm and snatched the pearl. He hit her in the face with his closed fist and she fell between the rocks, and he kicked her in the side. This quote occurs after Juana attempts to take the pearl from Kino while he is sleeping and throw it into the ocean, but before she can Kino sees her and takes the pearl away from her right before hitting her. This evidence shows that Kino, who was seen as an incorruptible man who loves his family more than anything, changes when the pearl becomes part of his life. Kino is consumed by the desire for money and is so blinded by the illusion of a bright future produced by the pearl that he does not realize the danger he is putting his family in. Instead of realizing and listening to his wife, he beats her when she takes circumstances into her own hands. When an individual like Kino feels that money and possessions will bring him happiness in his life, he becomes more and more determined to obtain them and is even willing to destroy and betray those who are significant in his life to do so. Furthermore, the desire to be successful and happy exists naturally in all people. Success is often associated with the acquisition of wealth and material possessions. In the Pearl, the doctor is a dominant character as he is the first person Kino turns to when Coyotito is injured and represents the colonial beliefs that oppress Kino's people. He embodies the arrogance, greed and condescension of the colonials and how the heart of colonial society feels about the natives. In The Pearl page 11, it states “It's a little Indian with a baby. He says a scorpion stung him." The doctor gently put the cup down before venting his anger. “Have I nothing better to do than treat insect bites for the 'little Indians'?” I'm a doctor, not a vet.' “Yes, patron,” said the servant. "Do you have any money?" asked the doctor. «No, they never have money. I, alone in the world, should work for nothing – and I'm tired of it. See if he has any money!" This quote emerges immediately after Coyotito is bitten by a scorpion and taken to the doctor.He as a doctor is obliged to work to save human life, but when he is confronted with someone he considers inferior to him, the doctor does not feel any obligation mentioned above. His cruel reluctance to treat Coyotito for the scorpion wound because Kino has no money to pay for it, therefore, shows the human expenditure of political victory rooted in the desire for financial gain. Then on page 22 we read: “And when it was clear who Kino was, the doctor became stern and judicious at the same time. “He's a client of mine,” the doctor said. "I'm treating your son for a scorpion sting." And the doctor's eyes lifted a little in their big hammocks and he thought of Paris. He remembered the room he had lived in as a grand and luxurious place. This quote occurs when the doctor receives the news that Kino has found the pearl of the world. Although he initially did not want to cure Coyotito because Kino had no money, the situation quickly changes after learning that Kino has found a large pearl. This shows how greed and money can corrupt people, from not wanting to do what they swore they would do because they believe they are more above someone, to doing it just to take advantage. To continue, The Pearl by John Steinbeck, the The author shows how sudden luck can bring out the worst in everyone. This is shown on page 21. “He approached the priest who was walking in his garden, and placed in his eyes a thoughtful look and a memory of some repairs needed by the church. He wondered how much the pearl would be worth. And she wondered if she had baptized Kino's baby, or if she had married him for that reason. This quote occurs right after Kino finds the pearl and the neighborhood finds out about it. Also on page 28 “the priest was a little speechless at the size and beauty of the pearl. And then he said, "I hope you will remember to thank, my son, Him who gave you this treasure and to pray for guidance in the future." Kino nodded stupidly, and it was Juana who spoke softly. «We will, father. And now we will get married. Kino said so." He looked at the neighbors for confirmation and they nodded solemnly. The priest said, 'It is pleasant to see that your first thoughts are good thoughts. God bless you, my children.' He turned and left silently” This quote occurred after the priest found out that Kino had found the pearl of the world. Since the church is in poor condition and could use some improvement, when the priest learns about the pearl, begins to think about how he could use some of the profits. Wondering about the cost of the pearl, the priest begins to wonder if he had performed some religious service for Kino and his family, such as the wedding or baptism superficially represents pure virtue and goodness, but is involved in using Kino's wealth like everyone else, believing that he can find a way to convince Kino to give him some of the wealth he will get from the pearl.ConclusionThe effect of greed is been shown throughout the story whether it was Kino trying to get much more money than the pearl is worth or the doctor trying to get Kino to pay him as he assumes Kino has money now. The townspeople think Kino is a murderer now, when in reality he is not. This pearl indeed came with evil and greed, as Kino's wife, Juana, had warned him. Greed can bring fame and fortune, but it can also lead to wickedness and great danger. Kino's life and that of his families were in danger when word spread about the pearl. In the end, Kino and Juana lost something irreplaceable, their only child. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom article from our expert writers now.,.