The Pearl :: essays research papers

Kino’s lack of material items did not keep him from happiness. That is until he thought it was possible to acquire a greater amount of wealth and increase his happiness through the pearl. In turn, this resulted in the downfall of Kino and his family.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Kino’s life before the pearl brought him satisfaction and contentment. He was a loving husband and father. â€Å"Juana is driven, although instinctively as a woman to heal the family, nevertheless in reality to act for the man to protect the family.† (Karsten 6) He raised and took care of them. Kino loved Coyotito; His son was his pride and joy. He brought together Kino and Juana and made them a family. There is also Juan Tomà  s, Kino’s brother, who supported Kino throughout his life. â€Å"We do know that we are cheated from birth to the overcharge on our coffins. But we survive. You have defied not the pearl buyers, but the whole structure, the whole way of life, and I am afraid for you.† (Steinbeck 70) Kino had few possessions. He had his home, a brush hut, which provided protection and shelter. In addition, a canoe, this is a family heirloom. It was passed down from grandfather to father to son. â€Å"Kino and Juana came slowly down to the beach and to Kino’s canoe, which was the one thing of value he owned in the world.† (Steinbeck 19) â€Å"It was once property and source of food, for a man with a boat can guarantee a woman that she will eat something.† (Steinbeck 19) Kino also had the song of the family. The song brings a feeling of unity â€Å"... the Song of the Family is identified along with other unnamed songs, the heritage of Kino’s people, in the calm beginning of the story... (Karsten 2) Many changes and alterations were brought about by the pearl. Kino immediately began to make a list of things that he wanted to buy with the pearl’s wealth. He has an opportunity for social mobility and acts upon it. Among the many things on his list were an official marriage, new clothes, a rifle, and education for his son. Instantaneously, Kino’s desires became cloudy. â€Å"There was no certainty in seeing, no proof that what you saw was there or was not there.† (Astro 29) Kino then started doubting his dreams and the pearl became misty and cloudy. Kino’s community thought of him differently because of his sudden acquired wealth.