The Pearl By John Steinbeck Three Themes in
The Pearl By John Steinbeck
Three Themes in The Pearl • The struggle for survival • Oppression and social class • Corruption by material wealth
The Pearl is a parable. • A short story that teaches a universal truth
Chapter One • • • Family=Safety, warmth, the Whole Evil=“any foe of the family” Watch for the songs Juana combines old/new ways. Setting contrasts old/new; rich/poor For oppressed class “Rage and terror went together. ”
Chapter One, cont. ***Why is it surprising that Juana wants a doctor?
Chapter Two • Setting—mirages cause people to trust imagination, not eyes ***Why is the canoe so important? ***Why is it not good to want a thing too much? ***What dreams do you think Kino sees in the pearl?
Chapter Two, cont. • Notice! • Pearl=accident of nature
Chapter Three • Note reactions of priest, shopkeeper, doctor, beggars. ***Why is Kino every man’s enemy? ***Of what “luxuries” does Kino dream? ***Why doesn’t Kino recognize the priest’s song of evil?
Chapter Three, cont. ***How does the doctor prove that Kino is trapped without an education? ***How do the priest and doctor prove themselves to be evil men? • “Luck, you see, brings bitter friends. ” • ***What bitter friends does luck bring Kino and Juana?
Chapter Three, cont. • Note how Kino changes throughout the book.
Chapter Four • Mexican Indians believed they were meant to remain in their birthplace. • This was reinforced by priests. • Note that Kino’s strength comes from Juana. • Kino defies “the whole way of life” ***How do the people react?
Chapter Four, cont. • Steinbeck never identifies either the intruder or the attacker. ***Why?
Chapter Five Kino Contented Family Man Alone & Unprotected A Brooding Hate Violent “He was an animal now. ”
Chapter Six Illusion vs. Reality ILLUSION REALITY Rifle Body w/slit throat Marriage Beaten Juana Education for Coyotito Sickened Coyotito
Chapter Six Return to Village • Change in relationship ***Have they finally achieved true marriage? “…they had gone through pain and had come out on the other side. ” ***Does this mean they will be OK?
Chapter Six, cont. Pearl of the World “my misfortune” Gray, ulcerous, evil
Chapter Six, cont. • At the end of the book, Juana and Kino are still a family!
- Slides: 17