In ‘The Pearl,’ author John Steinbeck uses symbolism to deliver his thoughts about fate, greed, hope, and evil. This lesson will review the symbolic
scorpion, canoe, and pearl
in this parable.
What is the symbolism in the pearl?
The pearl elicits more and more greed on Kino’s part, as he begins to devote all his energies and possessions to protecting it (recalling the biblical parable of the pearl of great price). It thus comes to symbolize
the destructive nature of materialism
.
What is the scorpion symbolize in the pearl?
The scorpion symbolizes
the evil that is found in nature
, which is seemingly arbitrary and unmotivated, in contrast to the evil that is found in mankind, which is generally the result of selfish desire and greed.
What does Coyotito symbolize in the pearl?
One of the main things Coyotito symbolizes is innocence. Coyotito isn’t the one with the pearl, but he still pays the price of Kino’s foolishness. He was the center of Kino and Juana’s life until the pearl, a innocent little infant from the beginning to the end. …
What are 3 symbols in the pearl?
- Greed. Greed is the main evil force that the parable is meant to warn against. …
- Dreams and Ambition. Ambition is a characteristic that is innate in human nature. …
- Family. Kino lives in harmony with his family up until Coyotito is poisoned. …
- Money versus Happiness. …
- The pearl. …
- The Scorpion.
Why is the pearl evil?
If the pearl in the final lines of the novel is described as being “grey and ulcerous,” and evil, this is only
because it has been made evil by the greed of man
. In a sense, the pearl therefore acts as a mirror of the men that yearn for it.
What does the pearl represent in the Bible?
Matthew is using a variety of similes for
the kingdom of heaven
…a pearl is a perfect simile because a fine pearl is a valuable treasure that needs no polishing or cutting by man. It comes to us complete and lustrous created by God through nature, as is the kingdom of heaven, which only God could create and perfect.
What does pearl mean spiritually?
What is the spiritual meaning of pearls? Pearls represent
wisdom gained through experience
. The gems of the sea are believed to offer protection to the wearer, as well as attract good luck and wealth. Moreover, pearls speak of the wearer’s purity and integrity.
What is the moral of The Pearl?
Lesson Summary
The Pearl is a parable, a moral lesson,
about gratitude and the dangers of greed
. Because parables offer a moral lesson, being grateful for the things one already has serves as the theme.
What is a metaphor in The Pearl?
“If I give it up I shall lose my soul. Go thou also with God.” An example of a metaphor from Chapter 5 of The Pearl can be found in this line: “
He was an animal now, for hiding, for attacking, and he lived only to preserve himself and his family.
” This is on page 62 of my copy, a Penguin book paperback edition.
Who killed Coyotito in the Pearl?
The watchman decides to silence the wailer by shooting in the direction of the cry. Unbeknownst to
Kino
, the bullet hits and kills Coyotito.
What reason does the dealer give for not liking Kino’s pearl?
| A B | What reason does the dealer give for not liking Kino’s pearl? He said it was fake | How does Kino decide tomake money when he realizes that the local pearl dealers are lowballing him? He decides to go to the capital | What does Juana propose to do with the pearl? throw it back in the sea or destroy it |
|---|
Why is it called the Pearl of the world?
Why is the pearl called the Pearl of the World? The people call it the Pearl of the World
because of its size and beauty
. There is not another one like it in the world. It also symbolizes the world because it contains possibilities for both good and evil.
What did the doctor give Coyotito?
The doctor takes a bottle of white powder and a gelatin capsule, and gives Coyotito
a pill
. … When the doctor returns, he gives Coyotito water with ammonia and tells Kino that the baby will get well now. Kino tells the doctor that he will pay him once he has sold his pearl.
What does Juana symbolize in the Pearl?
In fact, Juana comes to view the pearl as a
symbol of evil
. … Juana also symbolizes the family’s domestic happiness; the scene in which Kino beats her for trying to cast off the pearl thus represents Kino’s tragic break from the family he longs to support.
What does the sea symbolize in the Pearl?
The ocean is one of the first symbols of the novel. It
represents the unstable source of sustenance for the village
. Like the ocean, pearl diving is very unpredictable and unreliable. An unsuccessful day of pearl diving ultimately suppresses the dependent family deeper into poverty.
