The Pearl Corruption

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Recommended: Symbolism in the Pearl by John Steinbeck

When gaining everything you ever wanted you never think of the negative aspects of the situation. In many works of fiction the corruption that wealth brings to man is a constant conflict and test of morality. In the novel "The Pearl" written by John Steinbeck, the main character Kino has his life turned completely upside down when finding the Pearl of the World. Before finding the Pearl he lives an extremely poor life, but continues fighting for Juana, his wife, and Coyotito his baby boy. Although he lacks material things he has the love of his family and his morals in order to live a content life. But their extreme poverty causes their chance at happiness to diminish. When finding the pearl, Kino is greatly affected by the new gain in power and begins to change for the worse. His character turns dark and blinded by the influence of the Pearl. He finally sees the negative influence of the pearl when he loses his son and makes the decision to get rid of the pearl. By making the decision to get rid of the Pearl he recognized how his chance at wealth and power destroyed his morals and …show more content…

His wife Juana recognizes the evil of the pearl and insists on him getting rid of it but he flinches at the thought of losing a chance to become wealthy and create a better life for his family. Kino is blinded by the pearl as he simply focuses on protecting his family from those that want to take the pearl away from him. There are numerous signs that show how the pearl is affecting Kino, like him striking his wife, having his house burn down, and ultimately fleeing society when killing a man who tried to steal the pearl from him. It is only until he loses his son that he recognizes that extent of the situation. When finally losing almost everything that brought substance into his life Kino makes the willful choice to get rid of the

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