John Steinbeck
The Pearl, by John Steinbeck, is abounding with literary devices that assist in conveying the theme of the evils of greed. In the novella, Steinbeck tells about Kino, a Mexican man, who finds a great pearl which he believes will change his life entirely. However, when the pearl dealers attempt to deceive him into selling his pearl for a low price, Kino ventures to the capital, but after facing many trials, he must return to his home after his infant son is killed. After this ultimate hardship, Kino decides the pearl is not worth its troubles, and throws it back to sea. Through this plot, Steinbeck reveals the theme of the novella. Steinbeck uses the motif of music, symbolism, and imagery to convey the theme of the evils of greed to the reader.
…show more content…
When Kino finds the pearl, Steinbeck writes, “And to Kino the secret melody of the maybe pearl broke clear and beautiful, rich and warm and lovely, glowing and gloating and triumphant.” (19). The motif of music shows the pearl was grandiose, and magnificent. However, later Steinbeck writes, “the music of the pearl had become sinister in [Kino’s] ears, and it was interwoven with the music of evil.” (71). Steinbeck uses the motif of music to describe how wealth and greed, represented by the pearl, can seem magnificent and grandiose, however it will turn sinister and evil very shortly after the obtaining of …show more content…
After Kino is attacked by a thief trying to steal the pearl, Steinbeck writes “And the beauty of the pearl, winking and glimmering in the light of the little candle, cozened his brain with its beauty. So lovely it was, so soft, and its own music came from it—its music of promise and delight, its guarantee of the future, of comfort, of security. Its warm lucence promised a poultice against illness and a wall against insult,” (39). This example of vivid imagery shows how the pearl comforts Kino, makes him feel sheltered and protected, and makes him believe he can not be harmed with it. This is especially important because of the current circumstances, as Kino has just been greatly injured because of the pearl. The fact he is comforted by the pearl after it has just brought him close to death shows the reader the pearl, which, as stated earlier, represents greed, is
When Kino finds the pearl, Steinbeck writes, “And to Kino the secret melody of the maybe pearl broke clear and beautiful, rich and warm and lovely, glowing and gloating and triumphant.” (19). The motif of music shows the pearl was grandiose, and magnificent. However, later Steinbeck writes, “the music of the pearl had become sinister in [Kino’s] ears, and it was interwoven with the music of evil.” (71). Steinbeck uses the motif of music to describe how wealth and greed, represented by the pearl, can seem magnificent and grandiose, however it will turn sinister and evil very shortly after the obtaining of …show more content…
After Kino is attacked by a thief trying to steal the pearl, Steinbeck writes “And the beauty of the pearl, winking and glimmering in the light of the little candle, cozened his brain with its beauty. So lovely it was, so soft, and its own music came from it—its music of promise and delight, its guarantee of the future, of comfort, of security. Its warm lucence promised a poultice against illness and a wall against insult,” (39). This example of vivid imagery shows how the pearl comforts Kino, makes him feel sheltered and protected, and makes him believe he can not be harmed with it. This is especially important because of the current circumstances, as Kino has just been greatly injured because of the pearl. The fact he is comforted by the pearl after it has just brought him close to death shows the reader the pearl, which, as stated earlier, represents greed, is