What Does The Pearl Symbolize

We humans are constantly driven by the desire to have more than we started with. The Pearl couldn't be a better example as the protagonist, Kino, goes mad over the opportunity he has to change his life. Upon finding the pearl, he was stuck in poverty but his simple life suddenly becomes as complex as the pearl he found. Of the many symbols in the book, the most important three are best represented in the things Kino loved the most, the pearl, his family, and a fancied rifle.
Let’s start off with the item that made the story what it is, the pearl itself. The pearl of the world is a symbol of how hopes and dreams can turn into ashes in a very short amount of time. For example, when Kino finds the pearl, he howls in excitement. He has the opportunity
to get him and his family out of poverty and makes their lives better for the good. The problem is that doesn't happen as the book ends with one less member than before. In fact, Kino “...drew back his arm and flung the pearl with all his might." He threw the pearl right back into the sea where he found it.
Kino loved his family and wanted the best for them, but that is why it's song almost ceased with his desires.
The family is a symbol of the weight on Kino’s shoulders. All the wishes Kino wants to make reality revolve around his family. A wedding in the church, a rifle to protect his family, and he even says, "My son will go to school." The Pearl is filled with so much opportunity it can make one go crazy, and that does definitely happen. In fact, it goes to the point when he runs away to the capital, just to sell his pearl. In addition, his son dies as a result, not of the trackers, but of Kino’s desire to make him and his family much happier than ever before.
Kino’s desire for a rifle is much more than it seems. It is an homage to Kino and his love for the pearl. He becomes a violent man, willing to kill to save his fortune. What better to use in these situations than a gun! This becomes a clear objective for Kino and even tries to steal one from one of the trackers. However, Coyotito’s death is a direct result of this action and desire.
The pearl, his family, and a rifle are the things Kino loved the most. He was stuck in poverty but suddenly he was granted with an opportunity too good to be true. This drives Kino to madness too deep to change. This brings me back to the starting point. The human race is driven by a constant desire to have more than what it started
with.