What does the scorpion symbolize in The Pearl?

The inciting event of John Steinbeck'sThe Pearlis found in chapter 1, when Coyotito, the son of Juana and Kino, is stung by a scorpion.

The manner in which this event occurs is worthy of analysis. First, the scorpion had been hiding, lingering around Coyotito's bedside for a while. Second, Kino and Juana are suddenly aware of its presence, pray a Hail Mary and basically beg that the scorpion does not hurt their child. Third, at all this time, Coyotito is innocently unaware of his impending danger, as he "laughed", and "extended his hand" toward the rope from where the scorpion was hanging. At a jerk of the rope, the scorpion lands on the baby's shoulder and stings him regardless of anything that could have been done by Juana and Kino.

The sequence of events that marks this event suggests that the scorpion is a symbol of the inevitable evils of the world, as well as of fate and its own inevitability. We all succumb to it fate and evil, or else they find a way to brush with us regardless of what our parents, society, friends, or other support systems try to do to control these two powerful forces.

Coyotito is every innocent man, much like his father, and he is suddenly attacked by the forces of something evil brought in by fate. In this case, it is the scorpion. The scorpion came out of nowhere, and uninvited, just like evil things do. Without knowing it, Coyotito inadvertently brought the scorpion toward him, the same way in which we could attract the mean nature of people, or any other bad influence. Similarly, Coyotito was stung, ending the innocence of the moment. This is yet another allegory to how the inevitability of fate, and evil, affect our lives.

What do the characters in "The Pearl" symbolize, and what lesson is revealed in the plot's action?

The allegory of The Pearl reveals that objects like the pearl are not inherently evil and that people's perceptions, motivations, and actions impact the positive or negative energy surrounding a specific material object. Essentially, how people perceive and deal with material wealth can have an enormous impact on their lives.

In the novella, Kino and Juana symbolically represent innocent, benevolent individuals who want what is best for their family. Kino believes that the pearl is a blessing and sees the future benefits of selling the pearl. Juana naively believes that the pearl itself is evil, which is not true. The doctor, priest, pearl dealers, and trackers symbolically represent greedy, selfish individuals who wish to benefit from taking Kino's pearl. Their insatiable desire for wealth brings evil into Kino's peaceful life and eventually ruins his family.

The allegorical lesson of the novella focuses on the nature of greed and illustrates how material wealth can corrupt individuals. Kino is unwilling to let go of the pearl, which is something that greedy, malevolent people also desire, and his family is eventually torn to pieces.

What are some important keywords in The Pearl?

A parable is a story that teaches a moral lesson. In The Pearl readers are presented with the idea that things are not always what they seem and greed can impede good judgement.

Song of the Family is the music Kino hears in his head while he is sitting on the beach in the beginning of the novella. It connects him to his past and signifies his contentment/peaceful life.

Song of the Enemy is what Kino hears when his family's wellbeing is threatened. It is ominous and demonstrates fear and evil.

Song of the Whole is the "soundtrack" of Kino's life. It is all the pieces of the song.

avarice: (n) greed

"They knew his ignorance, his cruelty, his avarice, his appetites, his sins..."

bulwark: (n) A strong protective wall

"It is the bulwark against starvation."

reluctant: (adj) Unwilling or disinclined

incandescence: (n) A glowing light

"It captured the light and refined it and gave it back in silver incandescence."

benign: (adj) showing or expressive of gentleness or kindness

leprosy: (n) a contagious skin disease 

"I know I am like a leprosy..."

collusion: (n) a secret agreement

"Go to their offices and show your pearl--or better yet let them come here, so you can see there is no collusion."

petulant: (adj) fussiness or complaining

"The baby was weary and petulant, and he cried softly..."

countenanced: (v) permitted or tolerated

What are some symbols in The Pearl?

Kino's canoe in The Pearl is a very important symbol as it's one of the few tangible reminders of his people's heritage. The indigenous people have seen their traditional culture gradually eroded over time ever since Spanish colonialists first arrived in the Americas. Yet Kino's canoe has survived, just as his cultural memory has survived, handed down from generation to generation. For him, this is a highly prized object. It isn't just an expression of his people's heritage; it's an object of practical use-value that enables him to take to the ocean and provide for his family as a pearl-diver. In doing so, Kino's keeping the age-old traditions alive. The symbol of Kino's canoe also serves to illustrate the intimate connection between the old tribal customs and the traditional family units on which they are based.

The pearl itself symbolizes greed and the pursuit of worldly goods. This represents a radical departure from the traditional life of Kino's people, a much simpler life lived in accordance with the rhythms of nature. The pearl represents the corruption of tribal life and culture by materialistic values that has gradually undermined the age-old traditions by which previous generations of indigenous people lived.

What is a symbol, other than the scorpion, in the novella The Pearl that can be vividly described?

John Steinbeck's novella The Pearl is full of symbols, and their meaning is not always clear. For instance, not all readers have thought that the pearl itself symbolizes goodness. It may also symbolize the deceptive attraction of easy wealth and luxury. However, one symbol that stands straightforwardly in opposition to the dreams awakened in Kino's mind by the pearl is his canoe. Kino's canoe symbolizes the life he led before he found the pearl: a life of hard but satisfying work, tradition, and responsibility.

This quotation illustrates the care Kino takes of his canoe and the affection he has for it, and it also gives a strong visual image:

Every year Kino refinished his canoe with the hard shell-like plaster by the secret method that had also come to him from his father. Now he came to the canoe and touched the bow tenderly as he always did.

Unlike the pearl, the canoe is not obviously beautiful, but it has to be cared for and kept in good order so that Kino can work and provide for his family. The canoe has been passed down from generation to generation and is therefore a symbol of tradition and continuity as well as responsibility.