The Pearl (novel)

The Pearl
3rd edition
Author(s)	John Steinbeck
Original title	The Pearl
Illustrator	Cover Design: Micheal Ian Kaye
Cover artist	Ross Mcdonald
Country	United States
Language	English
Publisher	The Viking Press & William Heinemann
Publication date	1947
Media type	Print (Hardback & Paperback)
ISBN	ISBN 0-14-017737-X
OCLC Number	27697348

First edition titlepage

The Pearl is a novella by American author John Steinbeck, published in 1947.

Analysis

A story based on a Mexican folk tale, The Pearl explores the secrets of man's nature, the darkest depths of evil, and the disastrous effects of stepping out of an established system. Bad things will happen if one abuses his/her spot, according to the Father in the novel.

The doctor refers to Kino's race as animals.

The Pearl itself eventually leads to the devastation of a family. At the outset, Kino envisions a better future the pearl will bring as he wants new clothes for his family and himself, a proper wedding for he and Juana, and a proper education for Coyotito. Before Kino undertakes his plans, friends and relatives of Kino wonder whether it will make or break Kino and his family and people question whether he can achieve these goals because Kino would have to essentially break the rigid social structure.

Philosophic

The pearl is symbolic of all the power to deceive, to corrupt, and to destroy. But it does bring hope, promise to comfort, and security to this poor, Mexican family.

References in other media

• Fleming and John's song The Pearl is directly based on the novella.

References

External links

• About.com Book Review
• Photos of the first edition of The Pearl
• The Pearl study guide and teaching guide - analysis, themes, quotes, and multimedia for students and teachers